TKC Kiwi vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the HMX Swift are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Kiwi is a tactile switch designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. The switches have a snappy sound profile and come lightly factory lubed for a smooth feel right out of the box. In contrast, the Swift is a linear switch known for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings. The Swift also features a delicate 42g actuation force, making it easy to press and bouncy to type on. Overall, the Kiwi offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying bump, while the Swift provides a smooth and silky linear typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TKC Kiwi and HMX Swift switches exhibit some key differences. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, which provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the Swift features nylon for both its top and bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. These differences in material contribute to distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and HMX Swift share some similarities in terms of sound characteristics. Both switches utilize newer materials for their housing components, with the Kiwi's UHWMPE and the Swift's nylon offering unique sound signatures to users. While the Kiwi's UHWMPE delivers bright and resonant clacks during typing, the Swift's nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. These similar yet distinct qualities showcase how different materials can influence the overall typing experience of mechanical keyboards.
In analyzing the impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is important to consider how the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Understanding these distinctions can help users better appreciate and differentiate the unique characteristics of each switch and its housing materials.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kiwi has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, but the Kiwi also has a significantly higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Swift's 50 grams. This makes the Kiwi switch more medium-heavy in terms of overall force required, while the Swift switch leans towards the lighter side. The Kiwi would provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Swift would be preferred by those who want a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on user preferences, with the Kiwi suited for those who prefer a heavier typing feel, while the Swift is better for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Kiwi being on the longer end and the Swift being slightly shorter. Gamers often favor switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Swift a popular choice in that regard. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel and greater depth when typing may lean towards the Kiwi with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Swift switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. The choice between these switches would depend on your preference for sound - the Kiwi for a lower, more mellow tone, or the Swift for a sharper and more pronounced sound. Additionally, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kiwi switch provides a stepped and accented tactile experience, with a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This switch offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light actuation force and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The choice between these switches would depend on your preference for tactile feedback - the Kiwi for a medium-strong bump with refined smoothness, or the Swift for a light and effortless typing experience with a spring-like feel.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a stepped and accented tactile feel, the Swift switch offers a clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would come down to individual preference for sound and tactile feedback. If you prefer a deeper, more mellow sound with a medium-strong bump, the Kiwi would be the choice. If you prefer a sharper, more pronounced sound with a lighter, smoother typing feel, the Swift would be the preferred option. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium to medium-strong tactile bump with a snappy sound, the Kiwi switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deeper sound profile, the Swift switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and the overall feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your preferences and enjoy your enhanced typing experience with either the Kiwi or Swift switch.
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