TKC Kiwi vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

The TKC Kiwi and the Gazzew U4T are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer a tactile typing experience, but they do so in slightly different ways. The Kiwi switches enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. These switches are lightly factory lubed, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts embody a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. They produce a bassy 'thock' sound profile that is accompanied by an assertive tactile feedback, giving both auditory and tactile satisfaction. While the Kiwi switches are categorized as stepped, low-pitched, neutral, accented, and polished, the U4Ts are described as bassy, thocky, and sharp. If you're looking for a tactile switch, both options provide their own unique benefits and qualities. 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

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$8.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The TKC Kiwi and the Gazzew U4T both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing. This newer material offers a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic for both the top and bottom housing. Referred to as "boba plastic," this material produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Despite their differences, both switches deliver impressive sound characteristics that enhance the typing experience.

The difference in housing materials between the TKC Kiwi and the Gazzew U4T lies in their individual properties and resulting sound profiles. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi produces a vivid and bright sound, creating satisfying clacks when typing. In comparison, the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T delivers a richer and deeper sound profile, adding depth to the typing experience. While they have distinct sound signatures, both switches offer an enhanced auditory feedback, catering to different preferences.

The impact of the housing materials can be felt differently depending on the motion of pressing and releasing a key. The bottom housing of both switches holds more influence over the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on the switch, you will experience the qualities of the material used in the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the TKC Kiwi and the Gazzew U4T may have different top and bottom housings, the resulting sound experiences can be equally satisfying, albeit in different ways.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are a few key differences to note. The TKC Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is relatively light, while its bottom out force is 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Gazzew U4T is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, which falls in the medium range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TKC Kiwi may be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for those who type for long periods of time, such as those using a keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards switches with heavier forces, such as the TKC Kiwi with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams.

While the actuation force of the Gazzew U4T is unknown, it can be assumed that it falls within a similar range to the TKC Kiwi, as both switches are tactile switches designed for a comparable typing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force, although the TKC Kiwi may offer a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When using either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Kiwi or the U4T, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a satisfying auditory experience. The neutral sound profile means that the switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound, making it versatile for different users and environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. Bassy switches have a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness of bass tones. The thocky characteristic produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." It is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches provide a two-stage feeling, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. They are milder in comparison to hypertactile switches, offering a more moderate tactile feedback. Accented switches, in the context of TKC Kiwi, refer to medium tactile switches that provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This means that the switches have a noticeable but balanced tactile bump. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This polishing, along with factory lubing, contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump. Sharp tactile switches are known for their high feedback intensity, providing a strong and crisp tactile sensation with each keypress. The U4T switches prioritize a clear tactile bump rather than a subtle or gradual tactility.

Overall, the TKC Kiwi and Gazzew U4T tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Kiwi provides a medium to medium-strong bump with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and a smooth typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the U4T embodies thockiness with a bassy sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing auditory and tactile satisfaction. If you prefer a low-pitched, neutral sound with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the TKC Kiwi switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a bassy, thocky sound with a sharp tactile bump, the Gazzew U4T switches would be a great option. It is important to consider personal preferences, typing style, and the desired typing experience when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump, and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are lightly factory lubed, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Kiwi switch falls into the medium-heavy range.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines thockiness with sharp tactility and a bassy 'thock' sound, the Gazzew U4T switch is an excellent option. These switches provide an assertive tactile feedback that offers auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, the U4T switch falls into the medium range.

In terms of sound, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the U4T switch offers a bassy and thocky sound during key presses.

When it comes to feel, the Kiwi switch has a stepped and accented tactile feel, with a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch has a sharp tactile feel with a prominent and crisp bump.

Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and Gazzew U4T switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

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Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more