TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch known for providing a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Additionally, being lightly factory lubed, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is also a tactile switch but with different characteristics. While the Kiwi provides a more tactile and immersive typing experience, the Milk Tea may offer a different feel that some users may prefer for their needs. 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
2.00 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
Ly
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 Milk Tea switches are quite similar in terms of the sound signature they offer. Both the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi and the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea provide a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. This means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when using either of these switches. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a distinction between the two. The Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing continues the trend of offering a bright sound signature, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While the top housings of the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Milk Tea switches share a similar bright sound signature, the differences in their bottom housings offer users a choice between a brighter or deeper sound profile. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to the overall bright sound signature of the switch, while the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Tea adds depth and fullness to the sound when typing. This distinction allows users to choose between a more resonant and clacky sound with the Kiwi or a deeper and fuller sound with the Milk Tea, depending on their preference.
In terms of tactile feedback, the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Milk Tea switches play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more influenced by the bottom housing material, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that users can expect differences in the typing feel between the two switches, with the Kiwi likely providing a crisper and more resonant typing experience due to its UHWMPE housing, while the Milk Tea offers a softer and more rounded typing sensation with its nylon housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which requires 45 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi has a heavier weight of 67 grams while the Milk Tea force is unknown. The Kiwi offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a balance between the actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's actuation force is slightly higher but lacks information on the bottom out force, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of overall weight. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This could result in a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key moves when pressed. While the specific details of the feel and actuation of these switches may differ, their travel distance remains consistent at 4mm, showing that they are on par with each other in this regard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Milk Tea 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
In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for most typing situations. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kiwi tactile switch is known for its stepped, accented, and polished feel. With a two-stage tactile sensation, medium tactility, and smooth key travel, users can expect a refined and satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the feel of the Milk Tea tactile switch is unspecified, making it challenging to evaluate its tactile characteristics against the Kiwi switch.
Overall, based on the available information, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a medium bump, as well as a stepped, accented, and polished feel for a premium typing experience. In comparison, the qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct contrast. Ultimately, for users seeking a tactile switch with specific sound and feel characteristics, the TKC Kiwi switch may be a more suitable choice based on the provided information.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, then the Kiwi switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force and are open to trying something new and unknown, then the Milk Tea switch might be worth considering. Remember to take into account factors such as sound and feel descriptions to make an informed decision on which switch would best suit your typing needs. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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