TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Strawberry. While each switch offers a unique typing experience, they differ in their design and characteristics. The Kiwi switch is a tactile switch known for its medium to medium-strong bump, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and an immersive typing experience. It comes lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing right out of the box. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is a linear switch adored for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, it offers a frictionless and silky typing experience that is often described as buttery. Both switches are meticulously crafted, with the Kiwi falling under the categories of 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished', while the Strawberry is classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

KTT Strawberry Linear

$8.00 per 10

$4.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The TKC Kiwi and the KTT Strawberry differ in their housing materials. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, while the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Strawberry's top housing allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the sound profile of the switch, providing a satisfying typing experience.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE material, while the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to their top housing counterparts, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing produces a bright sound signature and resonant clacks during typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As with the top housings, the materials used for the bottom housings aim to optimize the sound and feel of the switches. Depending on which switch is pressed, the qualities of either the UHWMPE or polycarbonate housing will be felt, creating a unique typing experience for each switch.

When comparing the overall qualities of the housing materials, both the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Strawberry prioritize enhancing the sound profile of the switches. While the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housings, the Strawberry combines polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings. As a result, the sound characteristics brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will originate from either the UHWMPE or polycarbonate bottom housing. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing material. Despite the differences, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, be it through resonant clacks or a crisp sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have an actuation force of 43 grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This similarity suggests that users who prefer a lighter feel when typing or gaming would get similar results from both switches in terms of actuation force.

However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight distinction between the two switches. The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls within the medium range. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, might find the TKC Kiwi tactile switch more suitable, as it provides a heavier bottoming out sensation.

Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between these switches. For those who prioritize a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue, both switches offer a similar actuation force. However, if a user desires a more significant and substantial typing experience, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be the heavier option to choose, with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Whether you choose the Kiwi or the Strawberry, you can expect the keys to provide a consistent tactile or linear experience, respectively.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches are known for their more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This creates a satisfyingly snappy sound that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is also described as having a low-pitched sound. The low-pitched profile provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, similar to the Kiwi switch. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound experience, with a pleasant low-pitched sound profile.

In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its stepped and accented feel. Stepped switches provide a two-stage tactile bump, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This creates a more mild and comfortable tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. The accented feel of the Kiwi switch offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined key travel experience. The combination of these qualities provides a satisfying and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as frictionless, silky, and buttery. These terms highlight the exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience offered by the Strawberry switch. With a polished finish and reduced friction, the Strawberry switch delivers a sleek and fluid keystroke experience. Similar to the sound, both switches offer a smooth and polished feel, but with different qualities. While the Kiwi switch has a stepped and accented feel, the Strawberry switch focuses on frictionless, silky, and buttery sensations.

Based on the information provided, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a stepped and accented feel, delivering a medium to medium-strong bump for a satisfying typing experience. It also comes lightly factory lubed, ensuring smooth and effortless typing right out of the box. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a similar low-pitched sound profile. It provides a frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches deliver a polished and refined typing feel, although with different tactile and sound characteristics. Consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel to choose the switch that best suits your typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, along with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switches would be an excellent choice. These switches are lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. They are also described as having a stepped and accented feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and post-travel, along with a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth actuation and comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry switches would be a great option. These switches have a medium bottom out force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. The Strawberry switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Kiwi switches. In terms of feel, they are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, meaning they offer an extremely smooth typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys.

Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switches and the KTT Strawberry linear switches depends on your personal preferences for bumpiness, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your preferences and requirements before making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

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KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more