TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Red Panda are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer a tactile typing experience. The Kiwi switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. They provide a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. These switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Red Panda switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While the Kiwi switches prioritize a medium-strong tactile bump, the Red Panda switches focus on a thocky and mild tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Red Panda switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. Starting with the top housing, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE, a newer material that produces a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. In contrast, the Red Panda employs polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects. While both materials result in resonant and clear sounds, the Kiwi's UHWMPE may have a slightly brighter tone compared to the Red Panda's polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE, while the Red Panda utilizes nylon. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi delivers a bright and resonant sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. The nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. Consequently, the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, allowing users to experience a distinct tactile sensation based on the housing material used.
In summary, the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Red Panda switches differ in their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housings provide bright and resonant clacks, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Similarly, the UHWMPE and nylon bottom housings of the Kiwi and Red Panda, respectively, generate distinct sound profiles with the Kiwi's bottom housing having a brighter tone and the Red Panda's bottom housing producing a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housings contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing and releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Red Panda's slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Kiwi requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, in terms of bottom out force, the Kiwi has a heavier force of 67 grams while the Red Panda has a slightly lighter force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down compared to the Red Panda.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for different individuals. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Kiwi appealing, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This could be beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may find the Red Panda more suitable. Its heavier actuation force provides a more pronounced tactile response and can enhance the overall typing experience.
Despite these differences, it's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range. Therefore, if a user is looking for a tactile switch with similar results, they can expect comparable actuation and response from either the Kiwi or the Red Panda.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the Red Panda's travel distance of 3.3 mm. As such, if you prefer a longer travel distance that provides a sense of depth when pressing down on a key, the TKC Kiwi switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize faster response times and a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer different experiences, so the choice ultimately depends on the individual's preference for depth or speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Think of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience, with the Kiwi providing a low-pitched sound and the Red Panda offering a thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switch has several descriptors that provide insight into its tactile experience. It is described as stepped, which means that it offers a mild bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This creates a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is also considered accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is not scratchy and falls into the category of a "medium tactile" switch. Furthermore, the Kiwi switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The switch's materials and factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Overall, the TKC Kiwi switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished feel, while the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Red Panda switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a medium to medium-strong bump, alongside a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. It offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, contributing to a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch produces a thocky sound, with a light-medium amount of tactility. It offers a mild and approachable feel for a more gentle typing experience. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. If you are looking for a low-pitched sound and a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the TKC Kiwi switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a thocky sound and a mild typing feel, the Outemu Red Panda switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, along with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, then the TKC Kiwi switch is the better choice for you. These switches are lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. They have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a mild tactile experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile feel and enjoy a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, then the Outemu Red Panda switch is the better option. These switches provide a light-medium amount of tactility and offer a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The Red Panda switch offers a more gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Red Panda comes down to personal preference. Consider the level of tactility, sound profile, and typing experience you desire when making your decision.
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