TKC Kiwi vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two stand out in their unique characteristics and typing experiences: the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Kiwi switches are tactile switches that prioritize enhancing your typing experience with a satisfying bump at the top of each key press. Known for their snappy sound profile, these switches provide an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles, with a rich and bassy tone that makes typing an indulgent experience. They are suitable for a wide range of users due to their medium-weight. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method of the Sunset Yellow switches contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$8.00 per 10

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which creates a bright sound signature and produces resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing that offers a deeper, more muted sound profile.

Similarly, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to its overall bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks during typing. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing that creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound with a deeper tone.

When comparing the two switches, it becomes evident that their housing materials have opposite effects on the sound produced when pressing down on a key and when letting go. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released.

Despite these differences, the housing materials of both switches share the common goal of enhancing the typing experience. While the Kiwi's UHWMPE housing emphasizes a bright sound, the Sunset Yellow's POM housing offers a more muted sound with deeper tones. Overall, both switches aim to provide satisfying auditory feedback and enhance the overall typing experience, albeit with slightly distinct sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a similar experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Kiwi has a heavier force of 67 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has a lighter force of 51 grams.

The difference in bottom out force translates to a discrepancy in typing experience. The TKC Kiwi, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, offers a more substantial typing feel. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a stronger push, as it provides a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow, with its medium-light bottom out force, caters to those who enjoy a lighter touch. This can help reduce fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, making it an ideal choice for extended use.

Considering weight is crucial for choosing the right switch, as it directly impacts typing comfort and endurance. Some people prefer lighter switches to enable longer periods of typing or gaming without strain, especially when using the keyboard for work or extended gameplay sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more pronounced typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, as these offer a greater tactile response.

Overall, the TKC Kiwi and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in their bottom out forces, with the Kiwi being the heavier option. By understanding the actuation and bottom out forces, users can make an informed decision based on their specific preferences and typing requirements.

Travel distance

The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Kiwi switch offers a deeper press, which can be preferred by some who enjoy a more substantial key feel. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a slightly shallower press, which may be desirable for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. If you value responsiveness and quick key presses, the Sunset Yellow switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial key travel, the TKC Kiwi switch with its longer distance may be the better option. Despite their differences in travel distances, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences depending on individual preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Turning to sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This creates a pleasing auditory experience during typing, delivering a satisfying and immersive sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. The Sunset Yellow switch is described as "thocky," which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, but the Kiwi lends itself more to a low-pitched and mellow tone, while the Sunset Yellow showcases a bass-heavy and deep sound.

Moving on to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch features a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches provide a medium tactile bump, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds a subtle level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The polished finish of the Kiwi switch contributes to a smooth and refined feel, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek typing experience. On the other side, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless feel. The creamy sensation can be attributed to the smooth and buttery typing experience, made possible by factory lubrication or specific materials. Users can expect a silky glide across the keys with ease, making each keystroke effortless. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch also features a polished finish, further enhancing the smoothness and reducing friction. Therefore, both switches provide a polished and smooth typing experience, but the Kiwi offers a stepped and accented tactile feel, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a creamy and frictionless experience.

In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch each have their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a satisfyingly snappy sound and a medium to medium-strong bump. Its stepped and accented tactile feel provides a moderate level of tactility, complemented by a polished finish for smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy thocky sound. Its creamy and frictionless feel ensures a smooth and buttery typing experience, aided by a polished finish. While they offer different qualities, both switches guarantee an enjoyable and immersive typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the low-pitched and stepped feel of the Kiwi switch or the bassy and creamy feel of the Sunset Yellow switch.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, if you prioritize a more immersive and snappy typing experience with a medium to medium-strong tactile bump at the top of each key press, as well as a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Kiwi switches also come lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy tone, and a thocky sound when pressed and released, along with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be more suitable for you. The Sunset Yellows also offer a distinct gliding feel, thanks to the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more