TKC Kiwi vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

The TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Yanyu are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique tactile and linear experiences, respectively. The Kiwi Switches are renowned for their tactile feedback, boasting a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This provides an enhanced typing experience and is accompanied by a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, immersing users in their typing. Additionally, the switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches offer a more delicate typing experience, making them ideal for individuals who spend long periods typing. These switches are known for their crisp sound profile and are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer distinct sound profiles, while also sharing similarities. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE material for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a bright sound signature. When typing on switches with UHWMPE housings, users can expect resonant clacks. Similarly, the Yanyu switch incorporates a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housing. This blend creates a pleasing sound profile, slightly brighter in nature but not overly sharp. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a bright sound and resonant feedback, both the Kiwi and Yanyu switches would provide a similar typing experience.

However, when examining the individual housing materials used for the top and bottom housing of each switch, differences emerge. The Kiwi's top housing exclusively utilizes UHWMPE material, whereas the Yanyu incorporates a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. Consequently, the Kiwi may produce a particularly bright sound when releasing a key, as the sound profile is influenced primarily by the top housing. On the other hand, the Yanyu's sound may be slightly less sharp due to the presence of Polymer nylon in the blend. Notably, both switches offer resonant clacks when typing, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience.

The bottom housing material plays a notable role in determining the sound and feel of a switch, with the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback being influenced by this component. The Kiwi employs UHWMPE for its bottom housing, while the Yanyu blends Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for the same purpose. By utilizing UHWMPE, both switches provide a bright sound signature when bottoming out. However, the unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu's bottom housing may offer a sound profile that is slightly less sharp but still pleasantly bright. Ultimately, whether typing on the Kiwi or the Yanyu, users can anticipate a satisfying bottom-out sound and tactile experience.

In summary, when evaluating the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the SP-Star Yanyu switches, we find overlapping qualities as well as distinctive characteristics. Both switches offer a bright sound signature, with resonant clacks when typing. The Kiwi's top and bottom housing features UHWMPE exclusively, while the Yanyu incorporates a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both housing components. This distinction may result in a slightly different sound profile when releasing a key, as well as a nuanced difference in the overall sound and feel of bottoming out. Nevertheless, both switches deliver an enjoyable typing experience, highlighting the significance of housing materials in determining sound and tactile feedback in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are several notable differences. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, which signifies the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Yanyu is unavailable, making it difficult to properly compare the two.

However, when looking at the bottom out force, the Kiwi requires 67 grams of force while the Yanyu only requires 43 grams. This indicates that the Kiwi has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force, which may be more preferable for individuals who enjoy a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions.

Considering weight is important as it can greatly impact one's typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making them suitable for workplace environments or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those who prefer a more robust typing feel often opt for switches with heavier forces.

In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Yanyu switch is unknown, it is evident that its bottom out force is lighter compared to the Kiwi switch. This distinction makes the Yanyu the lighter option while the Kiwi offers a heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, the results of using either switch will be similar in terms of the travel distance they offer. Both switches provide a satisfying and consistent key press experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Starting with sound, the Kiwi switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed and released, the sound produced is more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It falls within a moderate range, suitable for various purposes and environments. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also known for its thocky sound. This means that the sound produced when pressing and releasing the keys is deep, rich, and satisfying. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Kiwi switch provides a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches have two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This gives a mild tactile sensation that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. The accented characteristic refers to a medium amount of tactility that is neither too strong nor too subtle. Furthermore, the Kiwi switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a sleek feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The Yanyu switch is also feathery, meaning it has an exceptionally light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Like the Kiwi switch, the Yanyu switch is also polished, providing a smooth typing experience.

Considering all the available information, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer contrasting qualities. The Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile with a satisfyingly snappy sound. It provides a stepped and accented tactile feel that is polished for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a neutral sound profile with a crisp material blend that produces a thocky sound. It offers a mild and feathery typing feel, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Both switches are polished, resulting in smooth key travel. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump and a low-pitched sound, the Kiwi switch is a suitable choice. If you prefer a linear switch with a delicate typing experience, a crisp sound, and a comfortable feel, the Yanyu switch is an excellent option.

Conclusion

In closing, the choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium to medium-strong tactile bump that enhances your typing experience, the Kiwi switch is the way to go. Its satisfyingly snappy sound profile and factory lubing make for a smooth and immersive typing experience right out of the box. The Kiwi also offers a low-pitched sound, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or find yourself typing for long periods of time, the Yanyu switch is the better option. Its light bottom out force of 43 grams reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience for extended sessions. The Yanyu switch also offers a thocky sound profile with a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released.

Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prefer a stepped and accented feel with the Kiwi switch or a mild and feathery feel with the Yanyu switch. Consider your own typing preferences and requirements to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

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