TKC Kiwi vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the Jerrzi Violet. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile for an immersive typing experience. Additionally, these switches come lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is also a tactile switch, but it offers a gentler tactility with smooth actuation and a neutral sound signature for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While the Kiwi focuses on enhancing the typing experience with a stronger bump, the Violet provides a softer and more subtle 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and Jerrzi Violet both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Kiwi featuring UHWMPE top and bottom housings while the Violet has polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they each offer a different typing experience to cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the TKC Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing shares a similar bright sound signature as its top housing, providing a consistent typing experience across the switch. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and Jerrzi Violet will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The UHWMPE and polycarbonate materials offer bright and sharp sound profiles respectively, while the nylon and UHWMPE bottom housings provide different levels of sound absorption and impact on typing feel. Whether one prefers a resonant clack or a deeper sound profile, both switches offer high-quality materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In comparison, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. While the Kiwi requires slightly less force to actuate, both switches offer a similar weight that is ideal for those who prefer a moderate resistance while typing. Some users may find the Kiwi's bottom out force of 67 grams to be slightly heavier than the Violet's unknown bottom out force, potentially leading to a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet, making it better suited for those who prefer a more pronounced key press feel. On the other hand, the Violet offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Kiwi being on the longer end and the Violet being on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, both the TKC Kiwi and the Jerrzi Violet switches have a neutral sound profile, providing a comfortable typing experience suitable for various settings. The Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched tone, creating a bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Violet switch delivers a more balanced sound signature. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Kiwi and Violet switches are described as having a stepped tactile feel, providing a sense of two distinct stages during each key press. This feature allows for a more controlled and precise typing experience, with a moderate level of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is also noted for its accented and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke with reduced friction. The Violet switch, while lacking additional descriptors, still offers a stepped tactile sensation for a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, both the TKC Kiwi and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Kiwi switch may provide a slightly more pronounced tactile feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the Violet switch offers a smoother actuation and a balanced sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium to medium-strong tactile bump with a snappy sound profile, the Kiwi may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile experience with a smooth actuation and neutral sound signature, the Violet may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer a balanced typing experience, so consider factors such as bottom out force and feel descriptors when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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