TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Brown, both tactile switches. The TKC Kiwi is notable for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, offering a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing feel right out of the box. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch lacks specific defining characteristics but is often praised for its tactile feedback. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the TKC Kiwi appears to provide a more refined and immersive 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

TKC Kiwi Tactile

Outemu Brown Tactile

$8.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Brown both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, offering a bright and resonant sound when typing. In contrast, the Brown uses polycarbonate for its top housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials result in clear and resonant sounds, the UHWMPE may provide a slightly softer typing experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. However, both materials are ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to their translucency.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Kiwi features UHWMPE while the Brown utilizes nylon. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to its bright sound signature, while the nylon bottom housing of the Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Kiwi offering a more vibrant sound and the Brown providing a more mellow tone.

Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing feel. While the Kiwi and the Brown differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a blend of characteristics, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a brighter, resonant sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Brown provide distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Kiwi is lighter in both aspects. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. In contrast, the Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Kiwi. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing a tactile typing experience. Those who enjoy a lighter touch may prefer the Kiwi for longer typing sessions, while the Brown offers a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

Both the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Brown tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. Whether you choose the TKC Kiwi or the Outemu Brown, you can enjoy a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, allowing for a satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is renowned for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that adds to the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound suitable for various purposes. When it comes to feel, the Kiwi switch is characterized by its stepped and accented tactile response, providing a two-stage keystroke experience with a medium level of tactility that is polished for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch's tactile feel is unknown, leaving uncertainty about its specific tactile characteristics. Overall, while the Kiwi switch excels in providing a distinct tactile and auditory experience, the Outemu Brown switch is a bit of a mystery in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel in their typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it's important to take into account your typing preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a medium to medium-strong tactile bump, a smooth typing experience right out of the box, and a low-pitched sound profile with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, then the Kiwi switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, a more neutral sound profile, and are neutral in terms of feel preference, then the Outemu Brown switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more