TKC Kiwi vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options available to suit different preferences and typing styles. Two popular switches that provide distinct experiences are the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Black. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch, designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It boasts a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, providing a truly immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches, known for their iconic status, offer a classic textured smoothness. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches provide a familiar deep sound profile and a unique typing sensation. Categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff, the MX Black switches offer a distinct feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Black switches present interesting differences. Firstly, the Kiwi switch features a UHWMPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) top housing, while the MX Black has a nylon top housing. This variation in materials leads to distinct sound signatures. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound quality, producing resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the MX Black's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, those seeking a switch with a vibrant and resonant sound may prefer the Kiwi, while those desiring a deeper and fuller sound profile might opt for the MX Black.
Additionally, the bottom housings of the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Black switches exhibit different materials and characteristics. The Kiwi switch incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, while the MX Black utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The qualities of these materials influence the switch's bottom-out sound and feel. With the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing, users can expect a bright and resonant sound upon pressing a key. Conversely, the MX Black's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out a key. As a result, individuals seeking switches with a bright and resonant bottom-out sound might prefer the Kiwi, while those desiring a deeper and fuller sound upon key press may find the MX Black more suitable.
It's worth noting that if the top and bottom housings are the same for a given switch, such as the TKC Kiwi, the qualities of the housing material will be consistent throughout the switch. This means that both the top and bottom housings of the Kiwi, composed of UHWMPE, contribute to its bright and resonant sound signature. Similarly, if the Cherry MX Black switch had identical top and bottom housings, both made of nylon, users would experience a consistent deep and full sound profile. Therefore, in cases where the housing materials are the same for both the top and bottom of a switch, one can expect similar results in terms of sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, which means it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the MX Black's 60-gram actuation force. This lighter actuation force of the Kiwi allows for quicker and potentially more effortless typing, making it a desirable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter touch.
In terms of bottom out force, the Kiwi again proves to be lighter with a force of 67 grams, whereas the MX Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that when fully pressing the keys down, the MX Black requires more force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Some users may prefer this heavier push feel as it can give a satisfying feedback response and a sense of stability while typing.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter feel and the ability to type for extended periods may lean towards the TKC Kiwi due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who appreciate a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience might find the Cherry MX Black more suitable with its heavier forces.
Despite the differences, it is important to note that both switches offer reliable functionality and durability. If one prefers a lighter or heavier touch, they can achieve similar results with the respective switch by adapting their typing style accordingly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a consistent tactile experience to the user. Whether you choose the TKC Kiwi or the Cherry MX Black, you can expect the same level of key travel satisfaction.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the TKC Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes the Kiwi switches satisfyingly snappy and immersive to type on. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches also have a low-pitched sound profile. They offer a familiar deep sound when typing. Both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience, although the specific sound can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TKC Kiwi switches offer a stepped, accented, and polished tactile experience. Stepped switches provide a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel in the keystroke. This gives a mild level of tactility. Accented switches, on the other hand, provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. The polished finish of the Kiwi switches ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek typing experience. As for the Cherry MX Black switches, they are described as textured and stiff. Textured switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users. The stiffness of the MX Black switches requires more force to actuate and bottom out, providing a different typing feel compared to the Kiwi switches.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switches and Cherry MX Black linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a snappy and immersive typing experience. They also offer a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel, ensuring a mild level of tactility and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the MX Black switches have a similar low-pitched sound profile and a textured and stiff feel. While both switches have their own unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi switch is the one for you. With its snappy sound profile and smooth factory lubing, it provides a satisfyingly immersive typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switch is the way to go. It has a higher bottom out force, which may be suitable for those who prefer a stiffer keyboard switch. Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and Cherry MX Black switches depends on your personal preferences for bump intensity, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider your typing style and the overall typing experience you desire when making your decision.
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