TKC Kiwi vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider the attributes that best suit your typing preferences and environment. Two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the TTC Silent Red switches. The Kiwi is a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. With a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, it delivers a truly immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch provides a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. Perfect for office or shared living space use, it offers a muted sound profile and a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Both switches have their own unique qualities, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

TTC Silent Red Linear

$8.00 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the TTC Silent Red switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which produces a bright and resonant sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound with a higher-pitched tone. While both materials provide clear and resonant sound profiles, the UHWMPE housing of the Kiwi may create a slightly more vibrant clack compared to the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Red. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE, similar to its top housing, while the Silent Red features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. In contrast, UHWMPE brings a bright and resonant sound signature to the bottom-out sound and feel of the Kiwi. Both materials offer distinct auditory experiences, with nylon providing a deeper sound while UHWMPE offers a brighter and more resonant clack.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of switches play different roles in sound production. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the contrasting housing materials of the Kiwi and Silent Red will contribute to differences in sound profiles during typing. However, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with clear and resonant sound qualities. So, if you are seeking an overall improved sound experience, both switches are likely to deliver similar results with their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of weight, the Kiwi is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. However, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation force. Similarly, the Kiwi has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Silent Red has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams.

The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke. In this case, both switches have relatively similar actuation forces, so users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the initial push feel. On the other hand, the bottom out force measures the force needed to fully press down on a key. Here, the Kiwi requires a heavier force compared to the Silent Red, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

In conclusion, while both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have similar actuation forces, the Kiwi is slightly lighter overall. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Kiwi requires a heavier force compared to the Silent Red. When choosing between the two, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silent Red, while those desiring a more substantial and heavier typing feel may prefer the Kiwi.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Kiwi being on the longer side and the Silent Red on the shorter side. The Kiwi's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a hearty depth to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower experience, appealing to those who seek a more responsive and quicker key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing styles.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes the Silent Red switches ideal for environments like offices or shared living spaces where noise reduction is important. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps being used.

When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped feel, which means it has two stages of tactile feedback. These switches provide a mild tactile experience, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. They are also described as being accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through materials used and/or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Silent Red switches are also considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Kiwi switches, the Silent Reds are also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience.

In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi has a low-pitched sound profile with a medium-strong bump, while the Silent Red has a muted sound profile suitable for quiet environments. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Kiwi providing a stepped and accented tactile feel, and the Silent Red offering a buttery and mild experience. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump and a satisfyingly snappy sound, the TKC Kiwi is the way to go. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box, thanks to their light factory lubing. In terms of sound, the Kiwi has a low-pitched and neutral profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or work. When it comes to feel, the Kiwi offers a stepped and accented experience, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and seamless typing experience, without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red is the ideal choice. These switches have a muted sound profile, perfect for office or shared living spaces. They offer a buttery and mild typing experience, providing a seamless and uniform sensation. Like the Kiwi, the Silent Red also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In the end, the decision between the TKC Kiwi and TTC Silent Red ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a strong and tactile typing experience with a snappy sound, go for the Kiwi. However, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Red is the way to go. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more