TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent White, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Kiwi switches are designed to provide a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, resulting in a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, these switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switches offer a linear typing feel without any tactile bump, providing a different typing experience that may be preferred by some users for its smooth and consistent key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
One main difference between the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent White is the material used for the top housing. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE, a newer material that offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In contrast, the Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials provide unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for aesthetically pleasing setups.
Another point of contrast between the two switches is their bottom housing material. The Kiwi uses UHWMPE for its bottom housing, resulting in a bright sound signature that complements the top housing's resonant clacks. Conversely, the Silent White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in material showcases how the bottom housing can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch, from the bottom-out sound to the overall feel when typing.
Although the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent White differ in terms of UHWMPE and nylon for the top and bottom housings, respectively, the overall goal of providing a unique sound signature remains the same. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their respective housing materials, whether it be the bright and resonant clacks of the Kiwi or the deeper sound profile of the Silent White. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as each housing material offers its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch are similar in some aspects but also have key differences. The Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams, making the Kiwi slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Kiwi requires a heavier force of 67 grams compared to the Silent White's 60 grams. This means that the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Silent White, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may prefer the TKC Kiwi. Both switches offer a balanced combination of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent White has a shorter travel distance compared to the Kiwi. The 0.7 mm difference may seem insignificant, but it can make a noticeable impact on typing feel and gameplay. The shorter travel distance of the Silent White may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Kiwi may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on how you like your keys to feel when typing or gaming.
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 White 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, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, making it difficult to compare directly. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the TKC Kiwi switch is known for its stepped, accented, and polished qualities, offering a two-stage tactile feel with a prominent and refined tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The polished finish and factory lubing contribute to a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. As for the Outemu Silent White switch, there is no specific information available about its feel characteristics, making it hard to make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch stands out for its distinctive sound profile and tactile feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each keystroke. While information on the Outemu Silent White linear switch is limited, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two options. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver quality results, but the specific nuances of sound and feel may vary based on individual factors such as keyboard setup and user preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press for a truly immersive typing experience, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the Kiwi switch would be a great choice for you. Additionally, the stepped, accented, and polished feel of the Kiwi switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and silent operation, the Silent White linear switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
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