TKC Kiwi vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, each with its unique features and advantages. The Kiwi is renowned for its tactile feedback, providing users with a satisfyingly snappy typing experience. With a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, these switches elevate your typing experience to new heights. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer a delicate balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches prevent fatigue during extended typing sessions. Enthusiasts appreciate the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, which delivers a delightful auditory experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make an informed decision on which one suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housings, which is a newer material known for its bright sound signature. This material provides a distinct and resonant clacking sound when typing on switches that utilize it. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches feature nylon top and bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Although the top and bottom housings of these switches have different materials, both options contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. With the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing, users can expect a bright and resonant bottom-out sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound due to its softer composition. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi is known for its resonant clacks upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the WS Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound when keys are let go.
It is important to consider the different sound signatures and typing experiences offered by these housing materials when choosing between the TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches. The UHWMPE material used in the Kiwi switches provides a bright and resonant typing experience, with distinct clacks both when pressing down and releasing keys. Meanwhile, the nylon material used in the WS Brown switches offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the bottom-out sound and creating a rounder typing experience. If you prefer a bright and resonant sound with noticeable clacking, the Kiwi switches with UHWMPE housing are a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the WS Brown switches with nylon housing will deliver similar results. Ultimately, personal preference and desired typing experience should guide your decision between these two switch options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Kiwi has a medium-heavy actuation force of 43 grams, requiring a somewhat substantial push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Brown is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the Kiwi's bottom out force of 67 grams indicates a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the WS Brown's 55-gram bottom out force, which is considered medium-light.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In this case, the WS Brown may be a suitable option due to its medium-light bottom out force. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Kiwi's medium-heavy bottom out force. Although the actuation force for the WS Brown is unknown, it is possible that it could provide a similar result to the Kiwi if the actuation force is closer to the 43-gram range. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed, but the Kiwi provides a slightly deeper travel distance.
A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, offering a balanced depth that many users are familiar with. On the other hand, the WS Brown's travel distance of 3.8 mm is slightly shallower, appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times.
If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the WS Brown with its shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt or lacking in depth to some users. If you enjoy a more substantial key press and prefer a deeper travel distance, the TKC Kiwi would be a better option.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50.
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 TKC Kiwi switches are known for their low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic gives these switches a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing. The neutral sound profile means that these switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most users and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches do not have a specific description provided for their sound. Therefore, it is unknown how they sound. However, it's worth mentioning that the enthusiasts cherish the WS Brown switches due to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, suggesting that they may offer a delightful auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel, the TKC Kiwi switches are known for their stepped, accented, and polished characteristics. Stepped switches refer to tactile switches that have two stages, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. This gives a mild tactility compared to hypertactile switches. Accented switches, in the case of the Kiwi, describe a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming but also not subtle. This provides a prominent amount of tactility that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the polished feature indicates that these switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The factory lube further enhances the overall typing experience.
For the WS Brown switches, there is no specific description provided for their feel. Therefore, it is unknown how they feel during typing.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi switches are best known for their medium to medium-strong tactile bump, snappy and immersive sound profile, and the stepped, accented, and polished feel. On the other hand, while there is limited information available about the WS Brown switches, they are described as offering a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation with medium-light actuation force, fatigue-free typing, and a delightful auditory experience. It's important to consider individual preferences when deciding between these switches, and keep in mind that the overall experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi would be the ideal choice for you. The Kiwi switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and are lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. The Kiwi switches are also described as stepped, accented, and polished, ensuring a mild tactility, a refined typing experience, and reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches are perfect for you. These switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. They provide a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to their nylon housing and POM stem combination. While there is no specific description of the sound or feel of the WS Brown switches, their medium-light bottom out force suggests a lighter and potentially more subtle tactile feedback compared to the Kiwi switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a stronger and more distinct tactile feedback, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Kiwi switches would be a great fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a potentially more subtle tactile feedback, the WS Brown switches would be a better choice. Consider your typing needs and the desired typing experience to make the best decision for yourself.
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