TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Pine, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Kiwi switch is a tactile option that aims to enhance your typing experience with a satisfying medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. With a snappy sound profile and a smooth factory-lubed feel, these switches deliver both an immersive and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the KTT Pine introduces a linear switch that boasts a translucent, forest green design. With a medium-heavy weight and a buttery smooth feel, these switches prioritize smooth key travel with their polished, factory-lubed finish. Categorized as 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished', the Kiwi switch offers distinct characteristics. Conversely, the Pine switch falls under the categories of 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', creating a different typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TKC Kiwi and KTT Pine switches offer contrasting features. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which provides a bright sound signature and resonant clacks while typing. On the other hand, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The UHWMPE material in the Kiwi and polycarbonate material in the Pine offer distinctly different sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Kiwi and Pine switches also differ in materials. The Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which yields a bright sound signature and resonant clacks. Conversely, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The material used in the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, giving users the option to select a switch based on the tactile feedback they desire.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kiwi and Pine switches differ, both materials share similarities in terms of sound resonance and brightness. The UHWMPE and polycarbonate materials used in the housings contribute to clear and resonant sound profiles. Additionally, both materials allow for customization options, with the Pine's translucent polycarbonate being particularly suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Therefore, while the specific qualities may differ for the top and bottom housings, the use of these materials in either switch will result in similar results regarding the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are notable differences. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, whereas the Pine has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Kiwi has a heavier force of 67 grams, while the Pine requires a lighter force of 58 grams to fully bottom out.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine would be the more suitable option, as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Kiwi. This lighter weight can be advantageous for longer typing sessions and minimize fatigue. On the other hand, the Kiwi offers a stronger push feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer more resistance and feedback while typing.
It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches. Some may find the medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces of the Kiwi more comfortable, while others may prefer the medium forces of the Pine. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that they both travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. Therefore, pressing down on a key with either of these switches will give you a similar tactile experience and feedback. Neither switch is shorter or longer in terms of travel distance, as both offer the same 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is characterized as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched sound of these switches provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, contributing to a more relaxed typing experience. Additionally, the neutral sound profile makes these switches suitable for a wide range of users and environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound. This means that the Pine switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Similar to the Kiwi switches, the low-pitched sound of the Pine switches brings a more mellow and soothing auditory experience.
When it comes to the overall feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Stepped switches are tactile switches that provide a mild tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This means that the keystroke feels less pronounced, providing a more subtle tactile experience. The accented feature of the Kiwi switches implies that they offer a medium amount of tactility, providing a tactile feedback that is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle. Lastly, the polished feature of these switches ensures a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a buttery and creamy feel. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The creamy feel, which is often a result of lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials, allows for a silky sensation and effortless key presses.
Overall, the TKC Kiwi tactile and KTT Pine linear switches provide distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile with low-pitched and neutral characteristics, while providing a stepped, accented, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Pine switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, while providing a buttery and creamy feel. These switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and cater to different preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors in conjunction with the switch characteristics to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump, provides a snappy sound profile, and offers a smooth and effortless typing experience out of the box, then the TKC Kiwi switch is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which gives it a medium-heavy feel. The Kiwi switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile and features stepped, accented, and polished characteristics that contribute to its overall feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness and an effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine switch is an excellent choice. It has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which gives it a medium feel. The Pine switch is known for its translucent, forest green appearance and buttery smooth feel. It is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The Pine switch offers a buttery and creamy sensation, thanks to its polished and factory-lubed finish.
Ultimately, the decision between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch depends on your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a more tactile bump and a snappy sound, the Kiwi switch is the way to go. However, if you prioritize smoothness and a seamless typing sensation, the Pine switch is the better option. Consider your personal preferences and prioritize the attributes that matter most to you when making your choice.
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