TKC Kiwi vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a delightful tactile typing experience, two options worth considering are the TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Duck. The Kiwi switches are renowned for their medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing an enhanced typing experience. With a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, they offer an immersive typing sensation right out of the box. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactility, perfect for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. The sound profile is clean and crispy, creating a pleasant ambiance while typing. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Duck each have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, while the Duck uses polycarbonate. Both of these materials contribute to a unique sound signature and typing experience. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi provides a very bright and resonant sound when typing, resulting in satisfying clacks. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Duck produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing also offers a bright sound signature, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the top housing of both switches plays a significant role. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for the top housing of the Duck, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi may not have the same visual impact, but it still provides a bright and resonant sound. Both switches offer distinct options in terms of appearance.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switches, the bottom housing plays a more significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing material determine the impact and bottom-out sound when pressing down on a key. This means that the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a crisper and more pronounced bottom-out sound, whereas the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright and resonant sensation. So while the top housing may affect the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing truly influences the tactile experience of typing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Duck, although different for the top and bottom housings, provide a range of sound signatures and typing experiences. Whether it’s the bright and resonant UHWMPE of the Kiwi or the sharper and crisper polycarbonate of the Duck, these switches bring distinct characteristics to the table. The choice between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of both sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Kiwi is the heavier option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Duck's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is lighter at 58 grams, placing it firmly in the medium range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Duck may be the better choice as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. This allows for smoother and faster keystrokes, perfect for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. The Kiwi, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial push feel, giving typists a greater sense of feedback and response during their typing experience.
Although the specific actuation force for the Duck is unknown, it is reasonable to assume that it would provide similar results to the Kiwi, considering they both fall into the medium range for overall force required. Both switches cater to individuals seeking a tactile typing experience with a satisfying level of force, allowing for comfortable and precise keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the Kiwi and Duck will depend on individual preferences for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a consistent and familiar typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switch is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that these switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone when activated. The sound is considered to be quite satisfying and immersive, providing a truly enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch has a more neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet. The sound is clean and crispy, providing a pleasant auditory feedback while typing. It is important to note that the actual sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switch can be described as having a stepped and accented tactile feel. A stepped switch means that it has a two-stage tactile bump, providing a mild level of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented tactile feel indicates that these switches offer a medium amount of tactility that is prominent but not overwhelming. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The combination of these qualities delivers a satisfying tactile feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a mild and buttery tactile feel. A mild tactile switch provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similar to the Kiwi, the Duck switches also have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, the TKC Kiwi and SP-Star Duck switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switches provide a low-pitched sound with a stepped and accented tactile feel, delivering a satisfying typing experience with smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a neutral sound profile with a mild and buttery tactile feel, providing a gentle and effortless typing sensation. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as the specific sound and feel can vary based on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. However, if you are seeking a similar typing experience, either switch can provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump and a snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck is the switch to go for. It has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium switch. The Duck switch offers a gentle tactility when typing, providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Duck depends on whether you prefer a stronger bump and snappy sound or a more subtle tactility and clean sound.
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