TKC Kiwi vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

The TKC Kiwi and the Durock Medium Tactile are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a tactile typing experience. The Kiwi switches are renowned for their medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Additionally, these switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a unique jelly-like sound signature. Both switches are categorized as accented and stepped, but the Kiwi is low-pitched and neutral, while the Medium Tactile is mild and polished. However, to determine the best switch for your needs, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$8.00 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing is a newer material that produces a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is particularly useful if RGB lighting is desired. While both materials enhance the sound quality, they offer slightly different characteristics.

In terms of bottom housing, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE while the Medium Tactile incorporates nylon. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to its bright sound signature, generating resonant clacks. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because the softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the key when it is pressed down.

Despite their differences, the utilization of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch allows for a combination of their distinct qualities. When pressing down on either the Kiwi or the Medium Tactile, the switch's bottom housing material will have the most significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The top housing, on the other hand, will primarily influence the sound produced when releasing a key. While the materials may differ, both switches provide an enhanced typing experience, but with slightly different sound profiles depending on the chosen housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Kiwi is lighter than the Medium Tactile. The actuation force of the Kiwi is 43 grams, while the actuation force for the Medium Tactile is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls within the medium-heavy range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiwi switch would be a suitable option as its lower actuation force allows for easier triggering of keystrokes. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods of time, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Medium Tactile switch might be a better choice. With its unknown actuation force, it may provide a slightly heavier push feel, offering a greater sense of feedback with each keystroke.

In terms of bottoming out, both switches have a similar force requirement of 65 grams. This means that the resistance when fully pressing down on the keys will be consistent between the two switches. Therefore, individuals seeking a specific bottoming out experience can expect similar results from both the Kiwi and Medium Tactile switches in this aspect.

In conclusion, while the Kiwi is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Medium Tactile, both switches exhibit a medium-heavy bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Kiwi offering a lighter typing experience and the Medium Tactile providing a potentially stronger push feel.

Travel distance

Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled. This similarity in travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose to use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi switches are known for their low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone, contributing to a satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Medium Tactile switches is not specified, so we cannot compare them in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Regarding the feel, both the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Medium Tactile switches are described as accented switches, which means they offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. This allows for a satisfying typing experience without compromising comfort. Additionally, both switches are described as stepped, meaning they have a mild tactile bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The TKC Kiwi switches are also described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Durock Medium Tactile switches are also described as polished, highlighting their sleek typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant tactile feel for typing.

In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi and Durock Medium Tactile switches share some similarities in terms of feel, offering a prominent yet balanced tactility with a mild bump and a polished finish for smooth and effortless typing. However, the sound profile of the TKC Kiwi switches is low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the sound profile of the Durock Medium Tactile switches is unspecified. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, then the TKC Kiwi is a great option for you. It offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. The Kiwi has a low-pitched sound profile and provides a stepped and accented feel, giving you a mild tactile experience. With its polished finish, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile would be more suitable for you. It offers an accented and stepped feel, along with a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference for the level of bump and sound profile you desire. Both switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force, making them suitable for most users.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

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Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more