TKC Kiwi vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Sea Glass. The Kiwi switch is a tactile switch known for its enhanced typing experience, featuring a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. With a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, it delivers an immersive typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its captivating selection of five pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in the typing experience. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and offer a uniquely hollow sound signature. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's dive deeper beyond the generalities to determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Sea Glass switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches have a top housing made of a blend that includes UHWMPE, which gives them a bright sound signature. However, the Sea Glass switch also incorporates polymer nylon in its top housing blend, resulting in a unique sound profile that is described as pleasant and slightly brighter. In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiwi switch utilizes UHWMPE, which again contributes to a bright sound signature. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch combines polymer nylon with UHWMPE in its bottom housing, offering another distinct sound profile that is also pleasant, but not as sharp.
When comparing these housing materials, it is important to consider their impact on sound and feel. In both switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. The Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing provides a bright and resonant clack, while the Sea Glass's polymer nylon and UHWMPE blend offers a slightly less sharp but still pleasing sound. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Both switches feature UHWMPE in their top housing, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. The Sea Glass switch, with its incorporation of polymer nylon in the top housing blend, may provide a slightly different sound profile compared to the Kiwi.
In summary, the TKC Kiwi and Durock Sea Glass switches share similarities in their use of UHWMPE for the top housing, which contributes to a bright sound signature. However, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its addition of polymer nylon in both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique and slightly brighter sound profile. While the bottom housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing materials have a greater influence on the sound when releasing the key. While the two switches have similar results in terms of a bright sound signature, the Sea Glass switch may offer a slightly different sound due to the inclusion of polymer nylon in its top housing blend.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can observe several differences and similarities. In terms of weight, the Kiwi is slightly lighter as its actuation force is 43 grams, while the Sea Glass requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This slight difference may not be significant for most users but could be noticeable to those who prefer a lighter touch.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kiwi has a higher force requirement at 67 grams compared to the Sea Glass, which bottoms out at 62 grams. This means that the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience, with a slightly firmer push needed to fully depress the key. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be preferred by individuals looking for a smoother typing sensation.
Despite these variations, both switches fall within the medium category when it comes to actuation force. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar actuation experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, both switches provide a satisfactory range of forces for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch will depend on personal preferences. If you prioritize a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, the Kiwi may be the better option for you. However, if you value a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing feel, the Sea Glass could be the ideal choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.8 mm, whereas the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Sea Glass leaning towards the shallower end. In recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Opting for the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance would provide a more responsive typing experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, in which case the Kiwi with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shallower or more substantial key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This creates a satisfying and immersive typing experience that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is unknown as there is no specific information provided about it. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as a stepped and accented switch. Stepped switches have a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a more subtle tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. Additionally, these switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. The switch is feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It is also easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance and a low-impact typing feel that enhances the typing experience.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, a stepped and accented tactile feel, and a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers an unknown sound profile but boasts a frictionless and effortless typing experience, a mild and approachable typing feel, and a light and easy-to-press switch. While they may differ in certain aspects, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience and cater to different preferences. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that aligns with your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a medium to medium-strong tactile bump and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, along with a polished and smooth typing experience, the Kiwi switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and effortless typing experience with a unique hollow sound signature, along with a lightweight and frictionless feel, the Sea Glass switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience.
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