TKC Kiwi vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch with the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences for typing experience. The Kiwi switch offers a satisfyingly tactile feedback with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, resulting in a snappy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red provides a similar typing experience to the MX Red switch but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Kiwi switch excels in providing a tactile typing experience, the MX Silent Red stands out for its quiet operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches have notable differences in their composition and sound profiles. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housings provide a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the MX Silent Red switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound due to nylon's sound absorption properties. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Despite the differences in material, both the TKC Kiwi and Cherry MX Silent Red switches aim to enhance the user's typing experience with their unique housing materials. The UHWMPE material of the Kiwi switches offers a bright and resonant sound signature that provides a distinct typing feel, while the nylon housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red switches offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Although the sound profiles may vary, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience that caters to a range of preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
In summary, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and Cherry MX Silent Red switches comes down to a comparison of their housing materials and the resulting sound profiles. The UHWMPE material of the Kiwi switches offers a bright and resonant sound signature, while the nylon housing of the Silent Red switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique qualities, but the specific sound and feel will ultimately determine which switch is preferred by users. Whether opting for the bright clacks of the Kiwi or the deeper sound of the Silent Red, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
Comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi requires a heavier force of 67 grams, while the MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. The Kiwi offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a noticeable tactile feedback, while the MX Silent Red is designed for a smoother, silent keystroke with an unknown bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Kiwi providing a more substantial typing experience and the MX Silent Red offering a quieter operation. Depending on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, users can choose between the lighter Kiwi or the smoother MX Silent Red for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but for those who are particular about keypress feel, it can make a noticeable impact. For those who prefer a deeper keypress and more travel distance, the TKC Kiwi switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if a shorter travel distance is preferred for faster response times, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer tactile feedback, but the slight variation in travel distance can result in a different typing experience overall. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, ensuring a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Kiwi delivering a more immersive and snappy typing sound, while the MX Silent Red offers a softer and more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi switch is characterized by its stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press with a smooth and refined finish for enhanced typing comfort. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed, which may appeal to users seeking a more tactile typing experience. While the Kiwi switch delivers a mild tactile feedback with a polished finish for reduced friction, the MX Silent Red switch provides a textured feel that adds a level of physical feedback during typing.
Overall, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switch stands out for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a satisfying typing experience with a medium bump. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch excels in providing a muted and thocky sound with a textured feel, making it an ideal option for users seeking a quieter typing experience with noticeable friction. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a customized and immersive typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Kiwi switch would be a great choice. The Kiwi switch offers a unique typing experience with its stepped and accented tactile feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that operates silently and provides a slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red, then the MX Silent Red would be the better option. The MX Silent Red offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. Choose the Kiwi for a tactile and immersive typing experience, or opt for the MX Silent Red for a quiet and smooth typing experience.
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