TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with unique features. The TKC Kiwi switch provides a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, delivering a satisfyingly snappy sound profile for an immersive typing experience. Additionally, the switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, ideal for those seeking a satisfying yet silent typing experience. 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
1.60 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
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing produces a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, while the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in sound quality is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to UHWMPE, which affects the resonance and clarity of the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Silent Grey switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiwi's UHWMPE material contributes to a bright sound signature, similar to its top housing, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the more resonant UHWMPE material of the Kiwi. This difference in sound quality showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound signature of a switch.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a pivotal role in determining sound quality and tactile feedback. While the Kiwi and Silent Grey switches feature different housing materials, both options offer unique benefits to users. Whether it's the bright and resonant sound of UHWMPE in the Kiwi or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Silent Grey, each housing material brings its own distinct qualities to the typing experience. Understanding how these materials interact with each other can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi requires a heavier 67 grams while the Silent Grey is slightly lighter at 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TKC Kiwi, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Outemu Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these switches, it can be said that both offer a consistent typing experience with the same key travel distance. This means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation points from both switches, resulting in a comparable typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Silent Grey switches make them both suitable options for those looking for a tactile switch with a moderate key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey 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
The Kiwi tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This can contribute to a satisfying and immersive typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is specifically designed to offer a quiet typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle sound while still enjoying tactile feedback. Both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Kiwi offering a medium to medium-strong bump and the Silent Grey offering a pronounced bump.
In terms of feel, the Kiwi tactile switch is described as having a stepped and accented tactile feel, with a smooth and polished finish that enhances the overall typing experience. The stepped nature of the switch provides a two-stage keystroke experience, adding to the tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The accented tactility offers a prominent amount of feedback without being too subtle or scratchy, creating a satisfying typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of the Kiwi switch contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel right out of the box. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is not provided.
In conclusion, both the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a stepped, accented tactile feel with a polished finish, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed specifically for a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but both can offer a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a more low-pitched sound profile, a stepped, accented, and polished typing feel, then the Kiwi switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a quieter typing experience, and a highly tactile feel, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose based on what features resonate with you the most.
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