TKC Kiwi vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch known for its medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that enhances typing experiences. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch specifically designed for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for quick and precise movements. While the TKC Kiwi excels in providing a tactile typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro shines in gaming scenarios where speed and accuracy are paramount. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, we can see that both switches have different top housing materials, with the Kiwi featuring UHWMPE and the V3 Silver Pro featuring polycarbonate. While the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The differences in sound characteristics between the two materials are due to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the newer UHWMPE material. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience for users.
Furthermore, the bottom housing materials of the Kiwi and the V3 Silver Pro also differ, with the Kiwi utilizing UHWMPE and the V3 Silver Pro using nylon. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to its bright sound signature and resonant clacks, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between UHWMPE and nylon can greatly influence the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience. With the Kiwi featuring UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housing, users can expect a consistent bright sound signature with resonant clacks. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing creates a contrast in sound profiles between the top and bottom of the switch. This split in housing materials allows for unique characteristics in both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Whether users prefer a brighter, sharper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, the housing materials of these switches offer diverse options for customization and personal preference.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with an actuation force of 40 grams, making the Kiwi a bit more resistant to typing pressure. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi requires 67 grams to fully press the key, while the V3 Silver Pro only needs 45 grams, making the Akko switch lighter in this aspect. This means that the Kiwi switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for typing intensity and weight.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Kiwi offers a more traditional travel distance while the V3 Silver Pro provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the V3 Silver Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the TKC Kiwi. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which contributes to a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp when pressed. This difference in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Kiwi switch offering a more relaxing typing experience while the V3 Silver Pro switch delivers a more dynamic and energetic sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kiwi tactile switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a switch with two stages of tactile feedback, a moderate amount of tactility, and a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience. This translates to a switch that is gentle to press, smooth and buttery in operation, exceptionally light to press, with reduced finger fatigue, and an exceptionally smooth typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Kiwi switch caters to those who prefer a low-pitched and neutrally sounding switch with stepped, accented, and polished feel, the V3 Silver Pro switch is ideal for gamers looking for a high-pitched sound with an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the intended use case. Regardless of the choice, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a slightly heavier actuation force, the Kiwi switch is a great choice. The Kiwi offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and effortless keystrokes, the V3 Silver Pro switch is the way to go. The V3 Silver Pro delivers a bassy sound with easy-to-press, creamy, and feathery feel options for reduced finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and whether you value a tactile experience or a smooth linear feel.
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