TKC Kiwi vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer two distinct typing experiences. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump at the top of each key press, enhancing your typing experience with a snappy sound profile. These switches come lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch made of POM material, offering a short travel distance for fast actuation. These switches deliver a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Kiwi provides a tactile typing experience, the Smoothie Silver offers lightning-fast actuation and a unique sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Kiwi utilizing UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housings, while the Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for both. The UHWMPE material in the Kiwi switch provides a bright and resonant clack sound when typing, whereas the POM material in the Smoothie Silver switch creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This distinction in sound profiles may appeal to different users depending on their preference for a louder, brighter typing experience or a quieter, more subdued one.
Despite the differences in sound profiles, both the Kiwi and the Smoothie Silver switches exhibit qualities of innovation and modernity in their housing materials. The use of newer materials such as UHWMPE and POM in switch housings showcases a commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional switch design and exploring the potential for enhanced typing experiences. While the specific sound signatures may vary between the two switches, the incorporation of these advanced materials highlights a shared dedication to providing users with high-quality, premium switch options that prioritize both performance and sound aesthetics.
In considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to acknowledge the split between the top and bottom housings in each switch. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding this division can help users appreciate the nuanced differences in sound profiles between the Kiwi and Smoothie Silver switches, as well as gain a deeper insight into how each housing material contributes to the overall tactile and auditory typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light actuation forces, with the Kiwi being slightly lighter at 43 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi is significantly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while both switches offer a light actuation force, the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Kiwi. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it suitable for those who prefer a more traditional feel with a deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter and more ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. While both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance, the Kiwi switch is longer than the Smoothie Silver switch, providing a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. This means that users can expect a two-stage tactile feedback with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle, along with a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not provided, but it would be reasonable to assume that it offers a unique feel due to its all-POM material construction.
Taking all available information into consideration, it is evident that both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Smoothie Silver switch likely offers a thocky sound and a unique tactile experience due to its POM material construction and feather-light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should opt for the Kiwi if you value a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump and enjoy a low-pitched sound profile with a stepped, accented, and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, feather-light touch, and are indifferent to the bottom-out force, then the Smoothie Silver is the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
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