TKC Kiwi vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the TKC Kiwi and TTC Silent Frozen are two options worth considering. The Kiwi switches are tactile, providing a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches not only enhance your typing experience but also offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, immersing you in the joy of typing. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, delivering a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are known for their extremely quiet sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. These switches also offer a pillowy feel, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the TTC Silent Frozen offer distinct differences in sound signature and aesthetic appearance. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, providing a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for accommodating RGB lighting.
Despite these differences, both switches share the benefit of their respective housing materials. The bright sound signature and resonant clacks associated with UHWMPE are mirrored in the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, both switches' bottom housing materials contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the typing experience. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing feedback.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is experienced differently depending on the action performed. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing material, as it greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is more heavily influenced by the top housing material. This means that users can expect a distinct auditory experience when typing on either the Kiwi or the Silent Frozen, with the bottom housing offering feedback during pressing and the top housing contributing to the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The TKC Kiwi requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, while the TTC Silent Frozen has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams. This means that the Silent Frozen switch would be easier to trigger, requiring less force to initiate a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the TKC Kiwi is also heavier, requiring 67 grams of force to fully press the key down. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is significantly lighter. This suggests that the Kiwi switch provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to fully engage the key, while the Silent Frozen switch results in a lighter and potentially faster typing experience due to its lower force requirements.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch would be a suitable choice as the lighter actuation and bottom out forces would allow for longer typing sessions without as much strain. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more tactile and robust typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the TKC Kiwi switch more appealing.
In summary, while the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls into the category of a traditional distance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches provide a decent amount of travel, the TKC Kiwi offers a slightly longer distance. If responsiveness is your top priority, opting for the TTC Silent Frozen with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. This is especially favored by gamers who require faster response times. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the TKC Kiwi's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your personal typing style and tactile preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is best known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and enhancing the typing experience. These switches are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. In terms of sound, the Kiwi switches are characterized as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched tone gives a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the neutral profile makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you use them at home or work.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is best known for its extremely quiet sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a silent typing experience. These switches are also super smooth and offer a pillowy type feel. In terms of sound, the Silent Frozen switches are described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. The thocky sound produces a deep, rich, and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. The low-pitched tone adds a bass-heavy and mellow quality to the sound, and the muted characteristic ensures a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi switches are described as stepped, accented, and polished. The stepped feel of these switches provides a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented characteristic refers to a tactile switch that offers a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The polished aspect indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switches are described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. The creamy and buttery attributes indicate a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The feathery characteristic implies an exceptionally light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The subtle feel provides a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, suitable for shared spaces. Like the Kiwi switches, the Silent Frozen switches also have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Kiwi switches provide a medium to medium-strong tactile bump, a snappy sound profile, and a stepped, accented, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches offer an extremely quiet sound profile, a pillowy feel, and a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound with a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. While they differ in characteristics, both switches provide quality experiences in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a snappy sound or a silent, smooth, and fluid typing experience, you can achieve similar levels of satisfaction and immersion with these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium to medium-strong tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switches would be the right choice for you. These switches provide an immersive typing experience with their satisfyingly crisp sound and smooth, effortless typing right out of the box. On the other hand, if you value an extremely quiet sound profile and a pillowy feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switches would be more suitable. These switches produce a thocky sound when pressed and released, and they offer a super smooth and creamy typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switches have a lighter bottom out force, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches should be based on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel.
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