TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Orange. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch that is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that delivers an 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 KTT Orange switches are linear switches that come with a 22mm long spring, providing a bouncy type feel. These switches feature a polycarbonate milky top housing, a long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, resulting in a slick and frictionless typing experience. The Orange switches also offer a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that make them desirable, 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
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Orange switches have key differences that result in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic appearances. Starting with the top housing, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE, a newer material that offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the Orange switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While both materials offer resonant sounds, the Kiwi's UHWMPE provides a brighter and more pronounced sound, whereas the Orange's polycarbonate offers a sharper and clearer sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Kiwi adopts UHWMPE while the Orange utilizes polycarbonate. Just like the top housing, the UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to the Kiwi's bright sound signature, generating resonant clacks when typing. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Orange switch also provides a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. Therefore, the difference in bottom housings may result in subtle variations in the overall typing experience between the Kiwi and the Orange switches.
In conclusion, while the TKC Kiwi and KTT Orange switches share similarities in their overall sound profiles, the materials used in their top and bottom housings contribute to distinct characteristics. The Kiwi's UHWMPE offers a bright and resonant sound, while the Orange's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing is advantageous for switches intended for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, regardless of these differences, both switches guarantee a satisfying auditory experience when typing, with the top housing materials influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing materials impacting the bottom-out feel.
Weight
When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Orange requires slightly more force at 46 grams. This means that the Kiwi has a lighter actuation force compared to the Orange. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi has a heavier force of 67 grams, whereas the Orange has a lighter force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Kiwi requires a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience, while the Orange provides a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. If lighter weight is preferred for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, the Orange may be the better option. On the other hand, if a stronger and more substantial push is desired, the Kiwi would be a suitable choice.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Kiwi offers a more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Orange provides a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Orange switch a popular choice in the gaming community. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and they might prefer the TKC Kiwi switch with its longer travel distance for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Kiwi offering a slightly longer travel distance and the Orange providing a slightly shorter one, both yielding similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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, both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Kiwi switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and is suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. This provides a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. Additionally, the Kiwi switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The switch is lightly factory lubed, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, making the keys feel lively and providing a rebound when pressed. Frictionless switches, as the name suggests, offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Orange switch also features a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a nylon bottom housing, further enhancing the overall feel.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switch offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile with a medium-strong tactile bump, alongside a polished and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, a bouncy and frictionless feel, and a slick typing experience. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, but the specific preferences of the user will ultimately dictate which switch is considered more suitable.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium to medium-strong tactile bump and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, then the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the way to go. With its lightly factory lubed design, you'll experience smooth and effortless typing right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile and offers a stepped and accented feel, providing a moderate level of tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy type feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch is the better choice. Its polycarbonate milky top housing and long pole POM stem offer a slick and frictionless typing experience, while the excellent factory-lubing ensures a refined and fluid key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preference for a tactile or linear feel, as well as your preferences for sound and typing experience.
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