TKC Kiwi vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Mountain Top offer different yet appealing features to consider. The Kiwi's tactile switches are renowned for their medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top linear switches from Gateron are tailored for office use, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation that is ideal for professional settings. While the Kiwi excels in enhancing typing feedback with its tactile bump, the Mountain Top focuses on being discreet and unobtrusive in office environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housing, while the Mountain Top uses nylon for both components. UHWMPE is a newer material known for its bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
While the UHWMPE housing of the TKC Kiwi provides bright and resonant clacks, the nylon housing of the Gateron Mountain Top offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top creates a duller and rounder sound upon key press. On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi influences the sound when a key is released, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top contributes to the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and Gateron Mountain Top housing materials comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a bright and resonant sound, the UHWMPE housing of the Kiwi may be more to your liking. Alternatively, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the nylon housing of the Mountain Top could be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different sound preferences, providing users with a variety of options to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Kiwi has a higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Kiwi has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Mountain Top has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Mountain Top offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch. This means that the Kiwi switch will have a slightly deeper press compared to the Mountain Top switch. However, both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical keyboards. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the Kiwi switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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
In terms of sound, both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means they both offer a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switches at home or in a professional setting. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is noted for its stepped, accented, and polished qualities, providing a tactile experience with two stages of feedback, a medium amount of tactility, and a smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a spring-like feel, gentle resistance, a gentle typing experience, super responsiveness, and a gentle sound signature suitable for shared spaces. While the two switches offer different tactile experiences, both aim to enhance the typing experience by providing unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi provides a medium to medium-strong bump with a snappy sound profile and a polished, stepped feel, while the Mountain Top offers a quiet and light typing experience with bouncy, easy-to-press keys and subtle feedback. Depending on your personal preferences and typing habits, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump and a satisfyingly snappy sound, the Kiwi switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience suitable for office settings, the Mountain Top switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing situation. Choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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