TKC Kiwi vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both switches offer unique features that enhance the typing experience. The Kiwi switch is renowned for its medium to medium-strong tactile bump, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses users in their typing endeavors. Additionally, the lightly factory lubed Kiwi switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches boast a sharp tactile feel that sets them apart. With a blend of PBT top and bottom housing, these switches provide a rare and premium typing experience. The Moyu Blacks feature a strong downstroke tactile bump, but it is their even sharper and stronger upstroke bump that creates a hypertactile sensation, resulting in a distinctive and impactful typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your individual preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in terms of sound signature. The Kiwi features UHWMPE top and bottom housings, which are known for providing a bright and resonant clack sound when typing. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes PBT top and bottom housings, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. This discrepancy in sound signature suggests that typing on the Kiwi switches will result in a more vibrant and lively auditory experience, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches will provide a more balanced and mellow sound.
In terms of feel, the bottom housings play a significant role in determining the tactile feedback upon pressing down a switch. As such, the qualities of the UHWMPE bottom housing in the Kiwi switches will likely contribute to a more pronounced and impactful bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches will offer a more subdued tactile feedback. On the other hand, the top housing material becomes more prominent when releasing a key. With its UHWMPE top housing, the Kiwi switches are expected to produce a distinctive sound upon key release, similar to the resonant clacks experienced upon typing. Conversely, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches is likely to provide a more neutral and less pronounced sound when letting go of a key.
Although the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) greatly differ, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience. While the Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housings offer a bright sound signature and impactful bottom-out feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches boast a more neutral sound profile and tactile feedback. Despite these distinctions, both switches prioritize delivering satisfaction to users through improved typing performance. So, while the results may differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches ultimately cater to the preferences of those seeking an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The TKC Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches, however, share the same bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TKC Kiwi would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a slightly stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, offering a more substantial typing experience. This may be appealing to users who prefer a bit more resistance when typing.
It's worth mentioning that despite the differences in actuation force, both switches have the same bottom out force. This means that once the keys are pressed all the way down, the typing experience would be similar for both switches. Therefore, if the desired outcome is a consistent feel during bottoming out, either switch would provide similar results.
Ultimately, the decision between the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will depend on individual preferences. Those who prioritize lighter typing may opt for the TKC Kiwi, while those seeking a heavier push feel may lean towards the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade).
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the TKC Kiwi or the Everglide Moyu Black, you can expect a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback with a travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This creates a pleasing and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black switches produce a resonant sound, featuring a higher-pitched and sharp profile. The sound is clean and sharp, enhancing the auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, while the Kiwi has a low-pitched and immersive sound, the Moyu Black offers a resonant and sharp auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switches provide a stepped and accented tactility. Stepped switches offer a more mild tactile experience with distinct stages, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and post-travel. Accompanied by the accented tactility, the Kiwi strikes a balance between a medium tactile switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switches feature a polished finish and are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and refined keystroke with reduced friction.
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches also offer an accented tactility, providing a noticeable amount of tactile feedback without being overpowering. Furthermore, they are described as sharp tactile switches that deliver a high feedback intensity. The tactile bump is strong, crisp, and distinct with each keypress. This unique blend of accented tactility and sharp feedback creates a distinctive and impactful typing experience.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches each possess their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi offers a low-pitched sound profile, a stepped and accented tactile experience, and a polished and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Moyu Black switches provide a resonant sound, an accented and sharp tactile feel, and a distinctive typing experience with their abrupt bottom-out. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can deliver satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences. If you prefer a low-pitched sound and a more mild tactile experience, the Kiwi switches would be a great choice. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a sharper tactile feedback, the Moyu Black switches would be a fantastic option. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your own preferences and factors such as keycaps and keyboard compatibility to make the best decision for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi is a great choice. 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, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also has a stepped and polished feel, providing a mild tactility and a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharp tactile feel and a rare and premium typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is worth considering. It features a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a resonant sound profile, with a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound. It has an accented and sharp feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility and high feedback intensity.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) depends on your personal preferences. If you value a snappy sound profile, low-pitched sound, stepped and polished feel, and a medium to medium-strong bump, the Kiwi is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper tactile feel, resonant sound, accented and sharp feel, and a strong and crisp tactile bump, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the better choice.
In the end, both switches offer unique features that enhance your typing experience. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired level of tactility when deciding between these two switches.