TKC Kiwi vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the Kailh Sage are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Kiwi is a tactile switch, known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It enhances your typing experience by providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, resulting in a truly immersive typing experience. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch, offering a distinct clicky typing experience. These switches are characterized by a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
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 Kailh Sage differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic properties. The TKC Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which results in a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the Kailh Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, allowing for the use of RGB lighting to enhance the visual appeal of the switch. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a bright sound and customizable lighting options, the TKC Kiwi with its UHWMPE top housing would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharper sound profile and the ability to illuminate your keyboard, the Kailh Sage's polycarbonate top housing would be more fitting.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh Sage also contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, resulting in a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In contrast, the Sage employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a brighter and more resonant sound, the TKC Kiwi with its UHWMPE bottom housing would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Kailh Sage's nylon bottom housing would be more preferable.
It is important to note that if a switch features different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each housing material would be divided between the respective parts. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on your preferences, you can select a switch that combines the desired properties from both the top and bottom housing materials. Whether you choose the TKC Kiwi or the Kailh Sage, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, with the difference lying in the specific qualities brought by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The TKC Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Kailh Sage switch is unavailable, while the bottom out force is slightly heavier at 70 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight, both switches can provide a substantial typing experience due to their medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces. However, the TKC Kiwi switch offers a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Kailh Sage. This lighter actuation force may be preferred by individuals who desire a more comfortable and less fatiguing typing experience, especially for long hours of work or extended gaming sessions.
In contrast, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a marginally heavier bottom out force compared to the TKC Kiwi. This heavier force may be attractive to those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile typing feel. It can offer a greater sense of feedback and satisfaction when pressing the keys, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a stronger push force while typing.
Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, falling within the medium-heavy range. The TKC Kiwi provides a slightly lighter actuation force, while the Kailh Sage offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience - whether one prefers a lighter and more comfortable feel or a stronger and more substantial push force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Kiwi switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you were to press down on a key equipped with the Kiwi switch, you would feel a slightly longer distance traveled compared to the Sage switch.
In terms of preference, there are factors to consider. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Kiwi switch falls within the range of a more traditional experience, offering a decent amount of depth. On the other hand, the Sage switch's 3.6mm travel distance is shallower, appealing to individuals who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a shorter travel distance for faster and more responsive typing or gaming, the Sage switch may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Kiwi switch with its slightly longer travel distance would likely provide a more satisfying experience. Both switches offer their advantages based on individual preferences, so it is important to consider what feels most comfortable and efficient for your typing needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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 offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The neutral sound profile of the Kiwi switch makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as having a crunchy sound. This is most commonly associated with clicky switches and gives the impression of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It delivers a refreshingly sharp and distinct clickiness. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches provide two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, resulting in a mild tactile feedback. Accented switches, on the other hand, offer a medium tactile experience that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Kiwi switches also have a polished finish, which contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. The combination of reduced friction and smooth key travel enhances the overall feel of the switch. In contrast, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as invigorating and sharp. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The strong and crisp tactile bump is felt distinctly with each keypress, creating an immersive typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into account, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and Kailh Sage clicky switch offer different subjective qualities. The Kiwi switch provides a medium to medium-strong tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile. It offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with its polished finish. On the other hand, the Sage switch delivers a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. It provides invigorating feedback and a pronounced tactile bump. Both switches have their unique characteristics and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preference. If you are looking for a low-pitched and polished tactile switch, the Kiwi would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a distinct clicky feel with invigorating feedback, the Sage switch would be a great option. It's important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and the overall keyboard setup when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, then the TKC Kiwi switch is the way to go. These switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, then the Kailh Sage switch is the better choice. In terms of sound, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched and neutral profile, while the Sage switch offers a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. When it comes to feel, the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a mild tactility, a smooth typing experience, and reduced friction. Conversely, the Sage switch is invigorating and sharp, offering pronounced feedback and a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In the end, the decision between the TKC Kiwi and Kailh Sage switches ultimately depends on the type of typing experience you prefer.
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