TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, it's important to note their key differences. The TKC Kiwi is renowned for its tactile feedback, providing a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press for an enhanced typing experience. The switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch, known for its satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses you in your typing. While the Kiwi offers a more tactile feel, the Cream Blue provides a distinct auditory feedback with each key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Cream Blue switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, while the Cream Blue's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing delivers a bright sound signature, similar to the top housing, while the Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing enhances the switch's sound profile with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
The contrasting qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Cream Blue switches contribute to the overall typing experience. While the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both top and bottom housing to produce a bright sound signature, the Cream Blue combines nylon top and bottom housing to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinction in housing materials affects both the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, as well as the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of considering the impact of housing materials on typing sensations.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The UHWMPE material of the Kiwi provides bright resonant clacks, while the nylon material of the Cream Blue delivers a deeper and fuller sound. While the top and bottom housing materials may vary between the two switches, the overall typing experience is influenced by how these materials interact to produce distinct sound signatures, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design and customization.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Cream Blue's 50 grams, while the Kiwi has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Cream Blue's 65 grams. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience, with the Kiwi offering a slightly lighter initial push and a heavier bottom out feel. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force may be preferred for longer typing sessions, while a heavier bottom out force may be preferred for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Cream Blue will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the keypress depth. Despite having the same travel distance, the mechanisms of the two switches differ in terms of tactility and sound, with the Kiwi offering a tactile bump and the Cream Blue providing a clicky feedback. In terms of travel distance, neither one is shorter or longer than the other, so users can expect a consistent typing feel regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral profile that provides a satisfyingly snappy and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has no specific sound description available. Both switches will deliver a unique sound, but the Kiwi's low-pitched sound may appeal more to those looking for a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, along with a refined and smooth typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. The Kiwi switch's stepped and accented feel, along with the added polish for reduced friction, provides a balanced tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor overly subtle.
Overall, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile, accented tactile feel, and polished finish, making it a great choice for those looking for a satisfying and smooth typing experience. While information about the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is limited, you can expect a unique clicky sound and tactile feel that may offer a different typing experience compared to the Kiwi. In the end, both switches offer their own subjective qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to try them out to determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, you should choose the Kiwi if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, offering a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and a smooth typing experience. The Kiwi also has a low-pitched sound profile and a stepped, accented, and polished feel. On the other hand, you should choose the Cream Blue if you prefer a clicky switch with a lower bottom out force, as it offers a different typing experience with a medium actuation force requirement. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when choosing between these two switches.
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