TKC Kiwi vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

The TKC Kiwi and the Durock Mamba are two mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Kiwi is a tactile switch that offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. It comes lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Mamba is a linear switch that provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Inspired by Kobe Bryant, these Mamba switches offer a tribute to his legacy while delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, and deciding between them ultimately depends on individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

Durock Mamba Linear

$8.00 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the TKC Kiwi and Durock Mamba switches provide distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. Starting with the top housing, both switches utilize unique materials to enhance the sound signature. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound, resulting in resonant clacks while typing. Similarly, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing also leans towards a brighter sound profile. However, it is described as not particularly sharp. Despite the slight variation, both switches aim to provide a pleasant and distinctive typing sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, we find another point of divergence between the TKC Kiwi and Durock Mamba. The Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing complements the top housing, adding to the overall brightness of the switch's sound signature. Conversely, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing, contributing to a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. These differences in bottom housing materials result in distinct bottom-out sounds and tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys, offering users a tailored typing experience based on their preferences.

It is important to note that while the top and bottom housing materials differ between the TKC Kiwi and Durock Mamba switches, their overall aim is similar - to provide an enjoyable typing experience with unique sound characteristics. Although they utilize different materials, both switches strive to enhance the sound produced during typing. Hence, whether using the Kiwi with its UHWMPE top and bottom housing or the Mamba with its blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE top housing and POM bottom housing, users can expect an elevated typing experience with distinctive sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The TKC Kiwi switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, which refers to the force required to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 67 grams. This makes the Kiwi switch medium-heavy in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is 60 grams, which is considered medium.

In terms of weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Durock Mamba as it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for use in work or gaming sessions that require extended periods of keyboard usage. However, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a stronger push feel, such as the TKC Kiwi. The Kiwi's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide users with a satisfying tactile feedback during typing.

While the actuation forces of these switches are unknown for the Mamba, it is clear that the Kiwi requires a higher force for both actuation and bottoming out. However, if the actuation forces were to be similar between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile response and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and Durock Mamba switches would depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is clear that the Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Kiwi's travel distance falls within the traditional range, providing a standard depth for key presses. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a shallower travel distance, which some gamers prefer for faster response times. Opting for the Kiwi would result in a slightly deeper feel, while choosing the Mamba would provide a slightly shallower and potentially more responsive experience. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches depends on personal taste and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Starting with sound, the Kiwi switch is known for its low-pitched profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed. This contributes to a satisfyingly snappy sound that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba switch features a neutral sound profile, which offers a moderate auditory experience suitable for various users and settings. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as "thocky," producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound reminiscent of a soft "knock" or a deep "thud." It is important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel, the Kiwi switch provides a stepped tactile experience. Stepped switches offer a two-stage sensation, providing a mild tactile bump, pre-travel, and/or post-travel. This creates a tactile switch that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable amount of tactility. The Kiwi switch is also described as accented, meaning it falls into the category of a "medium tactile" switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being too subtle or scratchy. Furthermore, the Kiwi switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel.

As for the Durock Mamba switch, it offers a mild linear typing experience. This means that the switch delivers a gentle and approachable typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Mamba switch also shares the same polished characteristic as the Kiwi, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have their own unique subjective qualities. The Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, a stepped and accented tactile feel, and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. The Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic and a mild linear feel, also benefitting from a polished finish. Both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, each with its own distinct qualities. Should a user want similar results, they can expect a medium to medium-strong bump with a snappy sound profile from the Kiwi, while the Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and delivers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba switch would be a perfect fit. With a bottom out force of 60 grams and a neutral sound profile, the Mamba switch is versatile and suitable for most intents and purposes. Its mild feel ensures a gentle typing experience, and the polished finish enhances its sleek and refined typing feel.

Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch depends on your personal preference for the typing experience. Whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and snappy sound of the Kiwi or the smooth gliding sensation and rich auditory experience of the Mamba, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

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Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more