TKC Kiwi vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are several factors to consider, including the tactile feedback and sound profile. Two notable options in the market are the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, and the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch. The Kiwi switches are well-regarded for their medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, they come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switches offer a gummy and chewy typing feel, along with a deep and muted sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics and merits, appealing to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Gateron North Pole V2 have contrasting housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 features polycarbonate for both. Despite this difference, both switches offer resonant clacks and a bright sound signature, highlighting the effectiveness of their respective housing materials.
In terms of their top housing, the Kiwi's UHWMPE produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. On the other hand, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing's translucency makes it a favorable choice for those planning to use RGB lighting, adding to its aesthetic appeal. While their sound profiles may differ slightly, both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback when typing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Kiwi and the North Pole V2 feature similar materials. UHWMPE in the Kiwi and polycarbonate in the North Pole V2 each lend a stiffness to their respective bottom housings. This stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, users can expect a similar experience when pressing down on either switch, thanks to the qualities of their bottom housing materials.
Overall, the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron North Pole V2 showcase contrasting housing materials and their distinct sound characteristics. While the Kiwi's UHWMPE offers a bright sound with resonant clacks, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, when it comes to their bottom housings, both switches deliver similar results with a clear and resonant sound. Whether one prefers the bright sound of the Kiwi or the sharper sound of the North Pole V2, both switches offer satisfying auditory feedback and performance.
Weight
When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, also classifying it as a medium-heavy switch.
In terms of actuation force, the Kiwi requires a lighter touch of 43 grams compared to the North Pole V2's slightly heavier 50 grams. This means that the Kiwi will be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and may be beneficial for long periods of typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, so if a user prefers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they will still achieve relatively similar results with either switch.
Moving on to bottom out force, the Kiwi has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 65 grams. This indicates that the Kiwi switch provides a slightly more resistant push when fully pressed down. For users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback when bottoming out, the Kiwi might be the preferred option.
Overall, while there are some differences in actuation force and bottom out force between the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron North Pole V2, both switches fall into the medium-heavy range and offer a satisfying typing experience. The Kiwi is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force and has a higher bottom out force, while the North Pole V2 requires slightly more force to actuate but has a slightly lower bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfying and snappy typing experience. The sound profile of the Kiwi is described as low-pitched, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This creates a truly immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing feel right out of the box. The feel of the Kiwi switches can be described as stepped, which means they have a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. They are also accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The polished finish of the Kiwi switches further enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a different typing experience. These switches are described as gummy, resulting in a unique and chewy typing feel. When bottoming out, it feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The sound profile of the North Pole V2 switches is subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, they offer a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Similar to the Kiwi, the North Pole V2 switches have a polished finish, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi provides a low-pitched sound profile with a medium-strong bump and a snappy typing feel. It is stepped, accented, and polished, resulting in a mild tactility, a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a gummy typing feel with a subdued sound profile. It is gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished, providing a unique typing experience with a dampened sound, smooth and buttery key feel, a spring-like feedback, and reduced friction. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying 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 and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, then the TKC Kiwi switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile and provides a stepped and accented feel, offering a mild yet prominent amount of tactility with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel, then the Gateron North Pole V2 would be a suitable option for you. These switches are described as gummy and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. They also have a subdued sound profile and provide a bouncy feel, giving you a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would depend on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, go for the Kiwi. If you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a muted sound profile, then the North Pole V2 would be the better option for you. Consider your desired level of tactility, sound, and feel when making your decision.
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