TKC Kiwi vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

The TKC Kiwi and Everglide Sakura Pink are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique options for keyboard enthusiasts. The Kiwi, a tactile switch, is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. Its snappy sound profile creates an immersive feeling when typing, while the factory lube ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink, a linear switch, offers a feather-light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for delicate typists. With its gliding type feel and frictionless operation, it provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sakura Pink also produces a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, which adds a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. Both switches have their own unique advantages and characteristics, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between them. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$8.00 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, which gives it a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches provide a clear and resonant sound profile, but the use of UHWMPE in the Kiwi creates a slightly different tone compared to the polycarbonate used in the Sakura Pink.

In terms of aesthetics, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing may not have the translucency of polycarbonate, but it still adds a unique touch to the switch. Its UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing in polycarbonate influences the sound when releasing a key. Conversely, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top and bottom housing make it perfect for those planning to use RGB lighting. The clear and translucent nature of the polycarbonate housing enhances the visual appeal of the switch, while still providing a satisfying sound experience.

While the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Sakura Pink have their differences, they both offer a resonant and clear sound profile. The use of newer materials like UHWMPE and the relatively stiffer polycarbonate in these switches provides a unique character to each keypress. Whether it's the bright sound signature of the Kiwi or the sharper sound profile of the Sakura Pink, both switches offer an engaging typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference and the desired aesthetic and sound qualities will dictate which switch's housing materials align better with individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. In terms of actuation force, the Kiwi requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Sakura Pink is lighter at 35 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink will be more sensitive and responsive to lighter touches. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi is heavier with 67 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's 45 grams. This indicates that the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to reach the bottom.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Sakura Pink, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, allowing for increased endurance and comfort. On the contrary, those seeking a more robust and tactile feedback may find the Kiwi more suitable. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it offers a sense of satisfaction and solidity during keystrokes.

Overall, while the Kiwi and Sakura Pink differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, both switches provide unique advantages depending on individual preferences. For those desiring a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink delivers a sensitive and effortless keystroke, while the Kiwi caters to those seeking a weightier and more substantial feel. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results through careful selection, ensuring an optimal typing experience tailored to their preferences.

Travel distance

Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar key press experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. The travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be within the standard range for mechanical switches, ensuring a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Therefore, whether you choose the TKC Kiwi or the Everglide Sakura Pink, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance provided by both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TKC Kiwi switches are known for having a low-pitched and satisfyingly snappy sound profile. The low-pitched sound of these switches gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches have a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter sound when typing. This makes them a great choice for those looking to minimize the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's chassis and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switches are described as stepped, accented, and polished. The stepped feel of these switches means that they have two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This provides a more mild and nuanced tactile experience compared to more intense tactile switches. The accented nature of the Kiwi switches means that they offer a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This prominent tactile feedback enhances the typing experience without being too distracting. Additionally, the polished finish of the Kiwi switches, either due to materials or factory lubing, ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.

On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing experience. The buttery and creamy feel of these switches means that they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The easy-to-press nature of the Sakura Pink switches makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue. These switches require minimal force to activate, offering a low-impact typing feel. Furthermore, the frictionless operation of the Sakura Pink switches ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.

Overall, while the sound and feel of the TKC Kiwi tactile switches and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches differ, both switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound profile and a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a medium-strong tactile bump. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches have a muted sound and a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel, offering a feather-light actuation force. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi is the way to go. With its stepped and accented feel, it provides a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Kiwi also has a polished finish and is lightly factory lubed, resulting in reduced friction and a smooth typing experience right out of the box. In terms of sound, the Kiwi is low-pitched and has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and purposes.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a feather-light actuation force, the Everglide Sakura Pink is the switch for you. These switches offer a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. In terms of feel, they are described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless, offering a seamless and low-impact typing feel.

Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Sakura Pink depends on your preferences for bump strength, actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a snappy sound, go for the Kiwi. If you prefer a lighter linear switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink is the way to go. Both switches offer their unique advantages and can elevate your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more