TKC Kiwi vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

The TKC Kiwi and the Gazzew U4Tx are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and benefits for users. The Kiwi switches are known for their tactile feedback, providing a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. With a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Kiwi switches offer an immersive typing experience. Additionally, these switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds. They feature a refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. With a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, typing on the U4Tx switches guarantees a luxurious experience both in terms of sound and tactile feedback. 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 U4Tx Tactile

$8.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The TKC Kiwi and the Gazzew U4Tx switches showcase different materials for their housing components. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which is a newer material known for its bright sound signature and resonant clacks during typing. In contrast, the U4Tx utiliizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," offering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both switches aim for an enhanced typing experience, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing provides lively and resonant clacks, while the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing focuses on delivering a deep and rich sound profile.

Similarly, the Kiwi and U4Tx also differ in terms of their bottom housing. The Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing shares similarities with its top housing, providing a bright sound signature and resonant clacks upon keypresses. Conversely, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which strategically delivers a softness to enhance the switch's sound profile. The bottom housing largely affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, determining the tactile feedback during keystrokes. Therefore, the TKC Kiwi offers a brighter and lively bottom-out sound, while the Gazzew U4Tx provides a softer and more cushioned typing experience.

Although the housing materials differ between the TKC Kiwi and the Gazzew U4Tx, it is important to note that they both aim to enhance the typing experience through distinct sound profiles. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi and the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx share the goal of delivering a unique sound profile, with the former offering a bright and resonant clack sound, while the latter provides a deep and rich tonality. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Kiwi leans towards a bright and lively bottom-out sound, while the U4Tx prioritizes a softer and cushioned tactile feedback. In summary, both switches offer varying sound characteristics, ensuring a personalized typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few key differences to note. The TKC Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Gazzew U4Tx is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx is 65 grams, which is also considered medium-heavy.

One noticeable contrast is that the TKC Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Gazzew U4Tx, making it a more suitable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lower actuation force can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. However, both switches share a similar bottom out force, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Overall, the TKC Kiwi can be considered the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, while the Gazzew U4Tx falls slightly heavier in comparison. However, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, so those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience can achieve similar results with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing sensations.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Kiwi has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that the U4Tx has a shallower feel when pressed compared to the Kiwi. Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0mm is considered standard, while 3.6mm is on the shallower side. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, such as that of the U4Tx, it is clear that there is a demand for a quicker response time in gaming. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the longer travel distance of the TKC Kiwi would be the more suitable choice. Overall, both switches offer different travel distances that cater to different preferences, allowing users to customize their typing or gaming experience accordingly.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The subjective qualities of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most purposes. The U4Tx switches, on the other hand, provide a deep and rich "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet stealth sound when topping out. This gives the U4Tx switches a bassy and muted sound profile, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards.

In terms of feel, the Kiwi switches have a stepped and accented tactile sensation. The stepped feel of these switches provides a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented tactile bump is prominent and falls into the category of a "medium tactile" switch, providing a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a sharp tactile sensation with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. While more limited in describing the feel of the U4Tx switches, the sharp tactile feedback suggests a highly responsive and tactile typing experience.

In conclusion, the Kiwi switches and the U4Tx switches have different sound and feel characteristics. The Kiwi switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel. In contrast, the U4Tx switches provide a bassy and muted sound profile with a sharp and intense tactile feel. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, both switches can deliver similar levels of satisfaction with their respective qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the TKC Kiwi would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a satisfyingly snappy typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi offers a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. In terms of feel, the Kiwi offers a stepped and accented tactile experience, providing a prominent yet balanced amount of tactility. These switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, the Gazzew U4Tx would be a fantastic choice. These switches offer a luxurious typing experience with a sharp, satisfying tactile bump in each key press. The U4Tx switches marry the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out, with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. This results in a refined sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The U4Tx offers a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, adding depth and richness to each key press. In terms of feel, the U4Tx provides a sharp and crisp tactile bump, ensuring a high feedback intensity with each and every key press.

Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the Gazzew U4Tx will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a low-pitched sound with a stepped and accented tactile feel, the TKC Kiwi would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lower bottom out force and a bassy sound profile with a sharp and crisp tactile feel, the Gazzew U4Tx would be an excellent choice. Consider your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more