TKC Kiwi vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kiwi switch is designed to provide a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience with its satisfyingly snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch boasts an all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. The Kiwi switch is known for its stepped, low-pitched, neutral, accented, and polished characteristics, while the Smoothie switch is labeled as buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback or linear smoothness, each switch has its advantages and appeals. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Smoothie are quite different in terms of their sound profiles. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound can greatly affect the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile from their switches.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Kiwi and Smoothie switches also contribute to their unique sound profiles. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi provides a bright sound signature that complements the top housing, creating a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie adds to the deep and muted sound profile of the switch, offering a different typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch option.
Overall, the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Smoothie play a significant role in the sound signature and feel of each switch. While the Kiwi offers a brighter and more resonant typing experience with its UHWMPE top and bottom housings, the Smoothie provides a deeper and more muted sound profile with its POM top and bottom housings. Both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see some differences. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly heavier than the Smoothie's 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Kiwi requires 67 grams, while the information for the Smoothie is not available. This makes the Kiwi a bit heavier on both fronts compared to the Smoothie. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Kiwi. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Smoothie's 3.6 mm. The Kiwi offers a more traditional key press experience with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Smoothie provides a slightly shallower feel at 3.6 mm. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Kiwi. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the TKC Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch produces a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound, delivering a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with a more subtle sound signature. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference, with the Smoothie switch providing a more dampened and thocky sound compared to the Kiwi switch.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switch features a stepped, accented, and polished tactile experience, with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press providing a satisfying typing sensation. The Gateron Smoothie switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile feelings that can cater to different preferences, with the Smoothie switch offering a smoother and more fluid keystroke compared to the Kiwi switch.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and Gateron Smoothie linear switch provide unique sound and feel qualities that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel, while the Smoothie switch delivers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinctive characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump and a snappy sound profile, the Kiwi switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Smoothie switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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