TKC Kiwi vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the TKC Kiwi, known for its tactile experience, and the Jerrzi Seashell, known for its linear feel. The Kiwi switches offer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses you in your typing tasks. On the other hand, the Seashell switches boast a beautiful purple hue and a light and clacky feel that remains enjoyable and comfortable for extended typing sessions. While the Kiwi switch enhances typing experience with its tactile feedback, the Seashell switch combines aesthetic beauty with functionality. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Jerrzi Seashell both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. While the Kiwi uses UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, the Seashell utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. UHWMPE is known for its bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing, while polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, nylon used in the Seashell's bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature compared to UHWMPE.
Aesthetically, the difference in housing materials between the TKC Kiwi and the Jerrzi Seashell can be attributed to their performance in sound production. Polycarbonate's translucency allows for RGB lighting effects and creates a clear and resonant sound, while UHWMPE in the Kiwi's top and bottom housing provides a bright and resonant typing experience. Similarly, nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a duller and rounder sound profile in the Seashell's bottom housing, contrasting with the crisp and sharp sound produced by polycarbonate in the top housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TKC Kiwi and the Jerrzi Seashell serves to enhance the typing experience in different ways. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Kiwi's UHWMPE housing provides a consistently bright and resonant typing experience, while the Seashell's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a sharper top-out sound and a deeper bottom-out sound. Despite their differences, both switches aim to optimize sound quality and provide users with a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is clear that the Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Seashell's 45 grams. However, the Kiwi has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Kiwi provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Seashell's typing feel is currently unavailable for comparison. In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Kiwi, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Seashell, assuming it offers a heavier force feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Kiwi offers a slightly longer keypress distance compared to the Seashell, providing a slightly deeper feel when typing. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Seashell for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Kiwi. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone while maintaining a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Seashell switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and snappy typing experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on personal preference, the Kiwi switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a smoother and more subtle sound, while the Seashell switch would appeal to individuals who enjoy a more lively and sharp auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Kiwi switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. The stepped design offers a two-stage tactile feedback, giving a mild but noticeable bump during key presses. Additionally, the accented feature provides a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. The polished finish further enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, reducing friction and promoting effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Seashell switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal exertion and providing a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Similar to the Kiwi switch, the polished feature of the Seashell switch ensures a sleek and refined typing experience.
Overall, the Kiwi and Seashell switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Kiwi switch delivers a more subdued and refined sound profile with a stepped and accented tactile feel, the Seashell switch provides a lively and sharp auditory feedback along with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more subtle or vibrant typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, choosing between the Kiwi and Seashell switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump with a low-pitched sound profile and a polished, stepped feel, then the Kiwi switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light, clacky switch with a high-pitched sound profile and a feathery, easy-to-press feel, then the Seashell switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Consider the key characteristics of each switch and how they align with your typing preferences to make an informed decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that resonates with you the most.
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