TKC Kiwi vs. Kailh Plum

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh Plum. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch that is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It also offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, delivering an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is another tactile switch that offers a unique experience. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum doesn't have a huge tactile bump, but it feels quite hefty. The Plum switch also provides a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While these are general pointers for choosing each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh Plum differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) top housing, while the Plum features a polycarbonate top housing. Both materials offer distinct sound signatures, but with a notable difference. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi produces a very bright sound, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Plum creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being relatively stiffer, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Furthermore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Plum is particularly beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.

Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the Kiwi employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, while the Plum employs a nylon bottom housing. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi, like its top housing counterpart, contributes to a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Plum brings forth a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In terms of sound, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when you let go of a key.

While the Kiwi and the Plum differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique and distinct sound profiles. The Kiwi's UHWMPE housing materials provide a bright and resonant sound, suitable for those seeking a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum's housing materials, such as polycarbonate and nylon, create sharper and crisper sounds or deeper and fuller sounds respectively. Despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying auditory feedback during typing. If you are looking to achieve similar results, either switch can meet your preferences depending on whether you prefer a brighter, clackier sound (Kiwi) or a crisper, sharper sound (Plum).

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, the TKC Kiwi requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the specific actuation force for the Kailh Plum switch is unavailable. However, both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, indicating a relatively stronger push feel compared to lighter options.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the TKC Kiwi has a bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Kailh Plum switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that both switches provide a similar level of resistance when pressing down fully, with the Kailh Plum being slightly heavier.

Weight becomes an important factor in choosing between the two switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the TKC Kiwi, as it requires less force during actuation and bottoming out. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, which can be advantageous for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Kailh Plum switch. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Plum switch can provide a greater sense of resistance and feedback while typing.

Overall, while the actuation force for the Kailh Plum switch is unavailable, it can be inferred that both the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh Plum share similar characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, with the Plum being slightly heavier. Therefore, those seeking a medium-heavy tactile switch with varying degrees of resistance can expect comparable results from both options.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we find that the Kiwi has a longer distance of 4 mm, while the Plum has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. The Kiwi falls within the traditional range for travel distance, while the Plum is on the shallower end. This means that if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Plum may be a better choice for you due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Kiwi's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches tend to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched alternatives. This creates a pleasing and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The sound produced by both switches is enjoyable, but in different ways.

When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch provides a stepped and accented experience. The switch has a two-stage tactile bump, offering a mild and prominent amount of tactility. This allows users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during key presses. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a mild feel. It provides a gentle typing experience, catering to those who prefer switches with more subtle characteristics. Additionally, the Plum switch is also stepped, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes.

Based on the available information, it is clear that both the TKC Kiwi and Kailh Plum tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile with a snappy and immersive typing experience. It also offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a mild yet satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Plum switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. It offers a mild and stepped feel, delivering a gentle typing experience. While they may differ in certain aspects, both switches are highly regarded and can provide a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, you need to consider a few factors. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67-70 grams, making them medium-heavy switches. The Kiwi switches are known for their medium to medium-strong tactile bump that enhances your typing experience, while the Plum switches have a unique weightiness without a pronounced tactile bump.

In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral sound profile, meaning they are suitable for most purposes and environments. However, the Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound that gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Plum switches.

When it comes to feel, the Kiwi switches are described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches provide a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Finally, the polished finish of the Kiwi switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Plum switches are described as mild and stepped. Mild switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Stepped switches provide a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a medium to medium-strong tactile bump and enjoy the low-pitched sound profile, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with weightiness and a milder tactile experience, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be more suitable. Consider your personal preferences for feel and sound when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article