TKC Kiwi vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Brown are both tactile switches that aim to enhance your typing experience. The Kiwi switches are characterized by a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses you in your typing. They are also lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. These switches prioritize subtlety, making them a good choice for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Brown switches offer distinct differences in sound and typing experience. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which produces a bright sound when typing and offers resonant clacks. In contrast, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in MX Brown absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone compared to the bright sound of the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Kiwi and MX Brown also differ. The Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to the bright sound signature and resonant clacks experienced when typing. In contrast, the classic nylon bottom housing of the MX Brown enhances the deep and full sound profile associated with these switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a different typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound compared to the bright and resonant clacks of the Kiwi.
Despite their differences, both switches share similarities in how the housing materials influence the typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing make a greater impact, affecting the sound and feel during the bottom-out phase. The bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to the bright and resonant clacks, while the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the top housing material primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, with the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi producing a bright sound, and the nylon top housing of the MX Brown creating a deeper and fuller tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams. This means that the Kiwi requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Kiwi is noticeably heavier with 67 grams compared to the MX Brown's 55 grams. This means that the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to fully press the keys compared to the MX Brown.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it allows for more effortless keystrokes. In this case, the MX Brown would be a suitable option. On the other hand, for users who seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience, a heavier actuation force like that of the Kiwi would be more appealing. Both switches offer a distinct feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Therefore, individuals can choose the switch that best suits their desired typing experience, whether they prefer a lighter touch or a heavier push.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown 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. Both switches provide a tactile feedback, allowing for a satisfying key press experience. Therefore, whether you choose the TKC Kiwi or the Cherry MX Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Brown 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
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is best known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. It has a snappy sound profile that adds to the immersive typing experience. The switch is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. In terms of sound, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for various purposes. The Kiwi switch also has a stepped, accented, and polished feel, offering a mild tactile experience with pre-travel and/or post-travel, prominent tactility without being overwhelming, and a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is known for its subtlety. It offers a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. In terms of sound, the MX Brown switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. However, the MX Brown switch lacks specific descriptors for its feel, indicating an unknown or unmentioned quality.
Considering the available information, the TKC Kiwi and Cherry MX Brown switches have distinct differences in sound and feel. The Kiwi switch offers a snappy, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, while the MX Brown switch provides a subtler and bassy sound. In terms of feel, the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a mild, prominent, and smooth typing experience. However, the MX Brown switch's feel is unknown or unmentioned. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the TKC Kiwi switch seems to have a more comprehensive and detailed description of its subjective qualities. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Kiwi, the MX Brown switch may still provide a satisfying and subtle tactile feedback with its light typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more immersive typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, then the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the way to go. These switches are lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, then the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a great choice. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience and have a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. While they may not be as polished as the Kiwi switches, some users may prefer the textured feel of the MX Brown switches.
Ultimately, the decision between the TKC Kiwi and Cherry MX Brown switches comes down to personal preference. Consider factors such as desired bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel when making your decision. Both switches have their unique qualities and can enhance your overall typing experience.
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