TKC Kiwi vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the PH Studio Yoel provide distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kiwi, a tactile switch, offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, making it ideal for those who enjoy feedback while typing. With a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and factory lubrication for a smooth feel, the Kiwi switch provides an immersive typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Yoel, a linear switch, boasts a chewy typing experience that envelops fingertips with every press. Featuring a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch delivers a pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point. While both switches have their unique characteristics, such as the Kiwi's stepped and low-pitched feel and the Yoel's creamy and silky touch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and PH Studio Yoel switches offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Both materials bring a unique tone to the typing experience, with UHWMPE offering a more lively sound and polycarbonate delivering a clearer and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Kiwi features UHWMPE, which again offers a bright and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Yoel utilizes POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound. The differences in sound profiles between the two materials highlight the impact that bottom housing materials can have on the overall typing experience of a switch. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to a more lively bottom-out sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Yoel creates a unique and pleasing deep sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between UHWMPE and POM housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch will determine the overall typing experience and sound profile. While the Kiwi and Yoel switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether it's the bright and resonant sound of UHWMPE in the Kiwi or the sharper and clearer sound of polycarbonate in the Yoel, each housing material brings its own characteristics to the table, enhancing the overall feel and sound of the switch.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi is the heavier of the two with 67 grams compared to the Yoel's 60 grams. This means that while the Kiwi requires less force to initially actuate a keystroke, it ultimately requires more force to fully press the key down compared to the Yoel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yoel switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Kiwi. In either case, users can expect a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Yoel. A longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel, while a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer unique advantages, and choosing between them will depend on personal preference and typing style. In the end, whether you opt for the shorter or longer travel distance, both the Kiwi and Yoel switches can deliver a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most typing environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch produces a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that adds a bright and percussive element to each key press. The Kiwi's sound is more subdued and neutral, while the Yoel's sound is sharper and more pronounced, catering to those who enjoy a more crisp and resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as having a stepped and accented tactile feel, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The polished finish of the Kiwi switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to factory lubing that reduces friction and enhances key travel. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is known for its creamy and silky feel, offering a buttery smooth typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys with each stroke. The polished finish of the Yoel switch further enhances the smoothness and minimizes resistance during typing.
Overall, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi provides a more neutral and stepped tactile feel with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Yoel delivers a creamy and silky typing experience with a clacky and resonant sound. Both switches are polished for a smooth key travel, making them ideal choices for individuals who prefer different tactile and auditory experiences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Kiwi switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear typing experience with a bright, clacky sound profile and a creamy, polished feel, the Yoel switch may suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preference for sound profile to enhance your overall typing experience.
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