TKC Kiwi vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you might consider the TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Meteor White. These two switches offer distinct experiences for typists, with the Kiwi being a tactile switch and the Meteor White being a linear switch. The Kiwi is best known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and an immersive typing experience. Additionally, it comes lightly factory lubed, ensuring smooth and effortless typing right out of the box. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a subdued and gentle linear switch experience, with an easy-to-push actuation and a soft pitter-patter sound profile. Both switches have different category classifications, with the Kiwi falling into 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished', while the Meteor White is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Meteor White each have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which is described as offering resonant clacks and a bright sound signature when typing. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon housing absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While they both offer unique characteristics, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing provides a brighter sound, while the Meteor White's nylon top housing offers a deeper sound.
Similarly, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing and the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing also contribute to their respective sound profiles. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi is described as having a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference lies in the softness of the nylon material, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing delivers a brighter sound, while the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound.
When considering the overall sound profile of a switch, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Therefore, the qualities of the bottom housing material, such as the Kiwi's UHWMPE or the Meteor White's nylon, will be more noticeable during typing. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. Thus, the top housing material, whether it is the UHWMPE of the Kiwi or the nylon of the Meteor White, will have a greater impact on the sound experienced when letting go of a key. Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Kiwi and the Meteor White offer unique and distinct sound profiles that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unavailable, meaning the specific force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Weight is an important factor to consider as it affects the typing experience. Some users prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer periods of typing, which is ideal for office or gaming scenarios where extended use is expected. However, others may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they should opt for switches with heavier forces.
Overall, the Kiwi switch is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Meteor White switch. This means that the Kiwi will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to trigger keystrokes and to press the keys all the way down. However, if the specific actuation force of the Meteor White switch is similar to the Kiwi, it would result in a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation. Nonetheless, with its lower bottom out force, the Meteor White switch may offer a slightly lighter feel when pressing the keys all the way down.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience an equal 4mm travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results and tactile feedback from both switches. Neither switch is shorter or longer in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile that provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating an immersive typing experience. The sound is neutral, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch produces a subdued and gentle sound profile, often described as a pitter-patter sound. The sound is also neutral, providing a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most users. However, it is worth noting that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
As for the feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped and accented sensation. It has a two-stage feel, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel, which gives a mild experience compared to hypertactile switches. The switch also has a medium level of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it suitable for those who prefer a prominent amount of tactility. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is polished, resulting in a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It provides a gentle feel, creating a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Similar to the Kiwi switch, the Meteor White switch is also polished, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction.
In conclusion, while both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have their unique qualities, the Kiwi switch offers a more tactile experience with a medium to medium-strong bump, snappy sound profile, and stepped and accented feel. Meanwhile, the Meteor White switch provides a softer linear experience with a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile and a mild typing feel. If you are looking for a tactile and immersive experience, the Kiwi switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a gentler and softer linear option, the Meteor White switch is an excellent selection. The availability of similar qualities such as being polished ensures that both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump and a snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi is the switch for you. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler and more subdued typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, it is considered medium-light. These switches are easy to press and offer a soft sound profile, described as pitter-patter. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for the level of tactility and the sound profile you desire.
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