TKC Kiwi vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Piano are definitely worth considering. The Kiwi is a tactile switch that offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing an enhanced typing experience. With its satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Kiwi delivers a truly immersive typing experience. Additionally, these switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is a linear switch known for its proprietary material blend, making it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users have reported a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using the Piano switches. In terms of sound, the Kiwi has a more neutral and polished sound profile, while the Piano has a bassy and silky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Piano switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall performance and sound profiles. The Kiwi features a top housing made of UHWMPE, a newer material known for its bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary blend of POM for its top housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials enhance the sound produced upon releasing a key, they do so in different ways. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi delivers resonant clacks, while the POM blend of the Piano creates a deep and satisfying sound, although the exact details of the blend are unknown.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Kiwi and Piano switches differ in material composition and sound characteristics. The Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE for its bottom housing, which also contributes to its bright sound signature and resonant clacks. On the other hand, the Piano's bottom housing features the proprietary POM blend, assumed to offer a satisfying and deep sound profile. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, particularly in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi is likely to provide a distinct impact on the bottom-out sound, while the POM blend in the Piano may offer a deep and satisfying tactile experience.
While the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and Durock Piano switches differ, it is worth noting that they share similarities in terms of the impact on sound quality. Both the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi and the proprietary POM blend top housing of the Piano contribute to the characteristics of the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the UHWMPE and POM blend bottom housings likely influence the bottom-out sound and tactile feel to some extent in both switches. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches strive to deliver satisfying and unique sound profiles when typing, albeit with their own distinct qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Piano switch is unknown. However, both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Kiwi measuring at 67 grams and the Piano at 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiwi might be a better choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience might lean towards options with heavier forces. In this case, the Piano switch could be a suitable option as it has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Kiwi.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the TKC Kiwi and Durock Piano switches differs, their bottom out forces are comparable. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience, with the Kiwi being lighter overall and the Piano being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the personal preference of the user and their desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key that uses either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. This ensures a consistent typing or gaming experience, as your fingers will have the same amount of distance to travel regardless of which switch you choose. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the Durock Piano linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its medium to medium-strong tactile bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfying and snappy typing experience. This switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Kiwi switch is lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. In terms of feel, the Kiwi switch has a stepped and accented tactility, offering a medium level of tactility that is prominent without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch has a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the TKC Kiwi switch provides a tactile feel with a low-pitched sound profile, enhanced by its smooth and polished finish.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is highly regarded for its pleasant typing experience. These switches offer a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The sound of the Piano switch can be characterized as bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Although the specific details of the feel are not provided, the Durock Piano switch is known for its smoothness and effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch differ in their subjective qualities. The Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile, a stepped and accented feel, and a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Piano switch has a bassy sound profile, a gliding push feel, and a frictionless and silky typing experience. While they offer distinct characteristics, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of satisfaction and immersion. The choice between the two ultimately depends on whether one prefers a tactile switch with a low-pitched sound profile or a linear switch with a bassy sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a crisp and snappy feel, the TKC Kiwi would be a great choice. Its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press delivers a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. It is also described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound, the Durock Piano would be the way to go. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend, which makes them one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. They are described as offering a bassy sound profile, adding richness to your typing experience. The Piano switches are also characterized as being frictionless and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch boils down to personal preference. Consider factors such as the typing experience you desire, the sound profile you prefer, and the level of smoothness you seek. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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