TKC Kiwi vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch that aims to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches are known for their satisfyingly snappy sound profile, providing a truly immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are linear switches that offer a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a great typing feel. These switches boast a creamy sound signature that adds an extra level of enjoyment to your typing sessions. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in terms of sound profile and material stiffness. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which provides a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Splash Brothers utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials offer resonant sound, the Kiwi's UHWMPE produces a brighter sound, while the polycarbonate of the Splash Brothers creates a sharper and clearer sound.
In regards to the bottom housing, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE material, which delivers a bright sound signature and resonant clacks. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers employs a nylon bottom housing, which 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. Therefore, using the Splash Brothers with its nylon bottom housing will provide a typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing will offer brighter and sharper acoustics.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches, there is a notable difference. The qualities of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. Therefore, the Splash Brothers with its nylon bottom housing will provide a more pronounced and impactful bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Kiwi. Conversely, the top housing of a switch has more influence on the sound produced when a key is released. Thus, both the Kiwi with its UHWMPE top housing and the Splash Brothers with its polycarbonate top housing will offer similar resonant sound when keys are released, albeit with differing characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has an unavailable actuation force but a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. These variances offer distinct typing experiences.
For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Splash Brothers switch proves advantageous. With a lower bottom out force, typing for longer periods becomes more manageable. This is especially useful for individuals who frequently use their keyboards at work or engage in extended gaming sessions. Conversely, the Kiwi switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offering a stronger push feel.
It is worth noting that if both switches had the same actuation force and bottom out force, users could expect similar results in terms of typing feel and force exertion. However, in this case, the Kiwi switch is the heavier option with medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, while the Splash Brothers switch is lighter with an unknown actuation force and a lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, individual preferences and intended use cases should be considered when selecting between these two switches.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have different travel distances. The Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Kiwi's 4.0mm travel distance falls in line with the more traditional distance, while the 3.5mm of the Splash Brothers is on the slightly shallower side. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Splash Brothers a favorable choice for them. However, those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keypress may find the 4.0mm travel distance of the Kiwi to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth one is seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 tactile switch is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches tend to have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that can be suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they are using the switches at home or work. It is important to note that the actual sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps being used. Overall, both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, albeit with different characteristics. While the Kiwi provides a low-pitched immersive tone, the Splash Brothers offer a creamy and neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped and accented experience. Stepped switches provide a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This means that the tactile feedback is more mild compared to hypertactile switches. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The combination of reduced friction and smooth key travel enhances the overall feel of these switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. The mild characteristic provides a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. The snappy attribute, on the other hand, makes the typing experience feel more alive and responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. Similar to the Kiwi, the Splash Brothers also feature a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. In conclusion, both switches provide unique and enjoyable tactile experiences, with the Kiwi offering a stepped and accented feel, while the Splash Brothers offer a mild and snappy feel.
Based on the available information, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch differ in their sound and feel qualities. The Kiwi switch produces a low-pitched sound profile, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Its stepped and accented feel provides a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for most users and environments. Its mild and snappy feel provides a gentle yet responsive typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it is important to note that the subjective qualities of sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, whether you choose the Kiwi or the Splash Brothers, you can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience, tailored to your preference for either tactility or linearity.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump, the TKC Kiwi would be a great choice for you. With its satisfyingly snappy sound profile, it delivers a truly immersive typing experience. The Kiwi is lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. In terms of sound, the Kiwi is described as low-pitched and neutral, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Kiwi is described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a mild and polished typing experience with a prominent amount of tactility.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a linear feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be a more suitable option. Known for its shorter activation and long pole stem, these linear "speed" switches provide a great typing feel. The Splash Brothers have a creamy sound signature and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is light. In terms of sound, the Splash Brothers are described as neutral, ensuring a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers are described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle and responsive typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump and a snappy typing experience, the Kiwi would be a great choice. If you prefer a lighter linear switch with a creamy sound signature and a responsive typing experience, the Splash Brothers would be a better fit. Consider your typing preferences, bottom out force preference, sound preference, and desired typing feel when making your decision.
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