TKC Kiwi vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, a linear switch, both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Kiwi switches provide a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump at the top of each key press, adding a satisfying snappiness to every keystroke. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switches boast maximum speed with their linear action and low spring resistance, ideal for gamers seeking rapid response times. While the Kiwi switches offer a polished and neutral typing experience, the Speed Silver switches provide a textured and thocky feel. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, while the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both materials have their advantages, with UHWMPE providing a more distinct and dynamic sound, while nylon absorbs more sound to create a rounder and duller tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi also contributes to its bright sound signature with resonant clacks, while the nylon bottom housing of the MX Speed Silver adds to its deeper and fuller sound profile. The different materials used for the top and bottom housings of the switches split the qualities each housing material brings, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. This dual housing design allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each housing material playing a role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and Cherry MX Speed Silver have distinct characteristics, they both aim to enhance the typing experience by offering unique sound signatures. Whether you prefer the bright and resonant clacks of UHWMPE or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. While the specific qualities of each housing material may differ, the goal of enhancing the overall sound profile and tactile feel remains consistent across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter of the two switches. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver has a lower actuation force of 30 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force could result in a lighter typing experience for the MX Speed Silver compared to the Kiwi, which may be preferred by users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, some users may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Kiwi for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the TKC Kiwi switch. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver switch may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Kiwi switch might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that provides a satisfying bass-heavy tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound that delivers a deep and rich tone with a swift response ideal for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on personal preferences, with the Kiwi providing a more neutral and mellow sound compared to the MX Speed Silver's thocky and rich tonality.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished experience that provides a mild tactile feedback with distinct stages, medium tactility, and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as having a textured feel, which indicates noticeable friction when pressed, offering a different typing sensation compared to the polished feel of the Kiwi switch. While the Kiwi switch focuses on providing a refined and smooth typing experience with medium tactility, the MX Speed Silver switch offers a textured feel that may cater to users who prefer a bit of resistance during key presses.
Overall, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Kiwi switch excels in providing a low-pitched sound with a neutral feel for a smooth and refined typing experience, while the MX Speed Silver switch delivers a thocky sound and textured feel aimed at gamers seeking rapid response and tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing or gaming experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your typing preferences and use case scenarios. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump, a satisfying sound profile, and a smooth feel, the Kiwi switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for rapid response, instant triggering, and low spring resistance without a tactile bump, the MX Speed Silver switch is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value tactile feedback or speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience.
Mentioned in this article
