TKC Kiwi vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the TTC Silent Brown, both of which are tactile switches. The Kiwi switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. Not only do these switches deliver a satisfyingly snappy sound profile but they are also lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is their muted sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$8.00 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and TTC Silent Brown switches differ in terms of their sound profiles and properties. The Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, which promotes a bright sound signature and resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This translucent polycarbonate material is ideal for switches incorporating RGB lighting.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE, resulting in a bright sound signature and resonant clacks upon typing. Conversely, the Silent Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

However, it is important to note that if a switch features different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact and bottom-out sound and feel, will be more prominent. Conversely, the top housing will significantly influence the sound when releasing a key.

In summary, the TKC Kiwi and TTC Silent Brown switches differ in their choice of housing materials. While the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a bright sound profile and resonant clacks, the Silent Brown incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the use of nylon for the Silent Brown's bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, it is important to consider the split knowledge of each housing's impact on the switch's sound and feel, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The TKC Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams but a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also considered medium-heavy. Despite these slight variations, both switches fall within the same weight range.

Considering the weight of a switch is important for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may enjoy switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lightweight feel is especially advantageous for individuals who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a stronger push feel to provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience. For these users, switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a better choice.

In terms of actuation force, both the TKC Kiwi and TTC Silent Brown switches fall within a similar range, with the TTC Silent Brown being slightly heavier at 45 grams compared to the TKC Kiwi's 43 grams. Similarly, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the TKC Kiwi being slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown's 63.5 grams. This means that both switches provide a similar level of resistance and feedback during typing, ensuring a satisfying tactile experience.

Overall, while there might be subtle differences in actuation force and bottom out force between the TKC Kiwi and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches, they both offer a medium-heavy weight class, providing a tactile typing experience that falls within the same range. This allows users to expect comparable results in terms of actuation and bottoming out, making them suitable choices for individuals seeking a medium-heavy typing feel.

Travel distance

In terms of travel distance, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Kiwi switch falls within the traditional range, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to minimize the time it takes for a key to register. However, it's worth noting that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial key press experience, the TKC Kiwi switch with its longer travel distance may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TKC Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches have a mellow and bass-heavy tone, providing a pleasant typing experience. The neutral sound profile means that these switches have a moderate volume, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings, such as home or work. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches are known for their muted sound profile. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with different sound profiles, and the final sound also depends on factors like the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switches provide a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, offering some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a mild tactile sensation. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them enjoyable for most typists. The polished finish of these switches, either due to the materials used or factory lubing, ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a buttery, mild, and polished feel. The buttery sensation indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing effortless and uniform typing. The mild characteristic offers a gentle typing experience, making these switches approachable to most users. Like the TKC Kiwi switches, the TTC Silent Browns also have a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switches and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone with moderate volume. Their stepped, accented, and polished feel gives a mild tactile experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience. Their buttery, mild, and polished feel ensures a smooth and gentle keystroke, also with reduced friction. Both switches offer enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences, with the choice depending on personal preference regarding sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, a snappy sound profile, and a smooth typing experience right out of the box, then the TKC Kiwi is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, a satisfying rounded tactile bump, and a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown is the switch to go with. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, but the Kiwi has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Silent Brown offers a muted sound. In terms of feel, the Kiwi has a stepped and accented tactile experience with a polished finish, while the Silent Brown provides a buttery and mild typing sensation, also with a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more