TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Purple Click offer unique and distinct typing experiences. The Kiwi is a tactile switch that enhances your typing with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It provides a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, making for an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is known for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. It offers light keystrokes with pronounced tactility, striking a perfect balance. So, if you prefer a switch with a medium bump and a smooth typing experience, the Kiwi is a great choice. Conversely, if you value a satisfying click and pronounced tactility, the Purple Click is the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$8.00 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Purple Click differ significantly. The Kiwi's top housing is made of UHWMPE, a newer material that produces a bright and resonant sound when typing. This material offers a unique and distinct clack sound that is favored by many keyboard enthusiasts. In contrast, the Purple Click's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The translucent property of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding to its aesthetic appeal. While both materials offer resonant sound profiles, the UHWMPE of the Kiwi is known for its bright sound signature, while the polycarbonate of the Purple Click produces a crisper sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE, similar to its top housing. This ensures a consistent sound signature throughout the switch. The UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to the bright sound profile of the Kiwi, resulting in a satisfying clack when bottoming out. Alternatively, the Purple Click incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. This adds a unique touch to the typing experience of the Purple Click, providing a more cushioned and less sharp sound when compared to the Kiwi.

In terms of functionality, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but with slight differences. The top housing of both switches plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi offers a bright and resonant sound when letting go of a key, complementing its overall sound signature. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click creates a distinct crisp sound upon key release. However, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the qualities of the bottom housing take precedence. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to its vibrant and resonant clack, while the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Overall, both switches offer their own unique sound characteristics, allowing users to choose between a bright and resonant typing experience or a deeper and fuller sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Kiwi switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams, while the Purple Click has a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Kiwi switch would require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke compared to the Purple Click.

In terms of bottom out force, the Kiwi switch is again on the heavier side with 67 grams, while the Purple Click has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Kiwi switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required, while the Purple Click offers a slightly lighter and potentially more comfortable typing feel.

Considering the weight aspect, those seeking a lighter typing experience might prefer the Purple Click switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type for extended periods. This would be particularly advantageous for individuals using their keyboards extensively for work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more forceful push and desire a more substantial typing experience would gravitate towards the Kiwi switch, given its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch exhibit slight differences, with the Kiwi switch being on the heavier side and the Purple Click switch leaning towards a lighter feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch for their typing needs.

Travel distance

The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Kiwi or the Purple Click, you can expect comparable results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes the switch suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use it at home or at work. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is described as crunchy and resonant. The sound it produces is similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, giving it a satisfying and immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean and sharp, with a higher-pitched tone. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished experience. Being a stepped switch means that it provides a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, rather than a big bump throughout the whole keystroke like hypertactile switches. The accented characteristic refers to a medium-tactile switch that provides a significant amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers an invigorating and stepped feel. It provides pronounced tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation.

In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi has a low-pitched sound profile with a smooth and effortless typing experience. It offers a medium to medium-strong bump for enhanced typing feel. The Purple Click, on the other hand, provides a higher-pitched, satisfying click sound that is resonant and immersive. It offers light keystrokes with pronounced yet balanced tactility. While the switches have their distinct characteristics, they both aim to enhance the typing experience and provide satisfaction to users. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which switch aligns best with their preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.

Firstly, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Kiwi would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Purple Click would be more suitable.

In terms of sound, the Kiwi offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings such as home or work. On the other hand, the Purple Click provides a crunchy and resonant sound, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This higher-pitched and immersive sound profile creates a clean and sharp auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Kiwi offers a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. The stepped feel refers to a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, while the accented feel describes a "medium tactile" switch with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the polished finish and factory lubing of the Kiwi result in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers an invigorating and stepped feel. The invigorating switch provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, offering an immersive typing sensation.

Ultimately, the decision between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider your typing style, preferences, and environment in order to make an informed choice that will enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more