TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Phalaenopsis can both significantly enhance your typing experience. The Kiwi switches are renowned for their medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Additionally, these switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches feature a light actuation force of 37g, which allows for effortless typing without causing finger fatigue during prolonged sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, these switches offer a discernible bump, making each keystroke more delightful. While these general points give us a glimpse into the performance of both switches, let's dive deeper to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in terms of their composition. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, while the Phalaenopsis uses polycarbonate for both. UHWMPE provides a very bright sound signature, creating resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housing. In contrast, polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting if you plan to incorporate it, while the UHWMPE material does not possess this feature.
However, if we focus on the similarities between the two housing materials, it is evident that both UHWMPE and polycarbonate contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile. While they may differ in their specific tonal qualities, they both enhance the overall sound experience when typing. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with excellent acoustic properties, both the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Phalaenopsis would yield similar results in terms of sound clarity and resonance.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, the distribution of their qualities differs. In the case of the Kiwi, the bottom housing made of UHWMPE has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Meanwhile, in the Phalaenopsis, the polycarbonate bottom housing provides a similar impact. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing, with the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing and the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top housing both playing a significant role in this aspect.
In summary, the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Phalaenopsis display notable differences and similarities in their housing materials and their impact on the typing experience. While the Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE for its top and bottom housing, the Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for both. This creates variations in their sound signature and clarity. However, both housing materials contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the distribution of their qualities differs, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we can observe notable differences. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly heavier than the Phalaenopsis with its actuation force of 37 grams. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the relatively lighter range of actuation forces.
Moving on to bottom out forces, the Kiwi requires 67 grams of force to fully press a key, which is again heavier when compared to the Phalaenopsis with its 50 grams bottom out force. This suggests that the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Phalaenopsis offers a lighter touch.
Considering the weight aspect, some users may favor the lighter actuation and bottom out forces to type comfortably for extended periods, making it ideal for professional environments or marathon gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals in pursuit of a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force and a significantly higher bottom out force compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. However, both switches provide varying levels of tactile feedback and can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Whether you choose the Kiwi or the Phalaenopsis, you can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience with the keycap moving a total of 4 mm from top to bottom. The travel distance of both switches is equal, providing similar results and ensuring a satisfying tactile feedback when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 switches have a low-pitched profile. This means that they produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a more relaxed and soothing sound during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile. This lower frequency range resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switches have a thocky sound, which means they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, but the Kiwi provides a slightly different low-pitched tone compared to the Phalaenopsis' bassy and thocky characteristics.
In terms of feel, both the TKC Kiwi and KTT Phalaenopsis switches have a stepped tactile feel. This means that they provide a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages - you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This mild tactility provides a comfortable typing experience without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are described as accented, meaning they provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Phalaenopsis switches do not have any specific descriptions for feel other than being stepped, but this indicates that they share a similar tactile experience with the Kiwi. Both switches also offer a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This is due to materials used and/or factory lubrication, ensuring a sleek typing experience for both newcomers and experienced typists.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer slightly different subjective qualities in terms of sound and have similar qualities in terms of feel. The Kiwi switches provide a low-pitched sound profile, while the Phalaenopsis switches offer a bassy and thocky sound. Both switches have a stepped tactile feel, providing a comfortable typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Both switches also offer a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, whether you choose the TKC Kiwi or the KTT Phalaenopsis, you can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile switch with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi is the way to go. These switches are lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. They are designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, the KTT Phalaenopsis is a great choice. With a light actuation force of 50 grams, these switches offer a delightful typing experience with a discernible tactile bump. They also have a beautiful translucent design. In terms of sound, the Kiwi has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Phalaenopsis provides a deeper and richer sound with a thocky characteristic. Both switches have a stepped feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Ultimately, your choice between the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Phalaenopsis will depend on your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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