Kailh Box White vs. TKC Kiwi

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a multitude of options available that cater to different preferences. Two popular switches to consider are the Kailh Box White and the TKC Kiwi. The Box White is known for its clicky nature, offering maximum audio feedback for those who enjoy the satisfying sound of each keystroke. With a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and an accented tactility, typing on these switches provides a unique and immersive experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is a tactile option designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each keypress. This switch provides a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, adding to the overall immersion while typing. Furthermore, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$2.76 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and TKC Kiwi utilize different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize a pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Kiwi employs a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. This results in resonant clacks when typing, providing a unique auditory experience.

Moving to the bottom housings, the Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic material choice that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This can be appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the TKC Kiwi features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also produces a bright sound signature. Similar to its top housing counterpart, the UHWMPE material contributes to resonant clacks, providing a consistent and lively typing experience.

It's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite using different materials for their housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profiles from the Box White's polycarbonate and the Kiwi's UHWMPE. Both materials prioritize a vibrant and resonant typing experience, making them suitable options for those seeking an auditory treat while typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Kiwi switch is slightly lighter than the Box White switch. The Box White switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Kiwi switch requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. However, the difference in bottom out force is more prominent. The Box White switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is relatively close to its actuation force. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiwi switch would be a suitable choice due to its lower actuation force. It allows for longer typing sessions, especially for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming purposes. In contrast, the Box White switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force and relatively closer bottom out force. This switch is favored by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.

While the actuation and bottom out forces of the Box White and Kiwi switches differ, both switches fall within the medium range when it comes to actuation force. This means that, despite the variations in force required, users will achieve similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the difference in bottom out force may result in a varying tactile feel and level of feedback while typing.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would depend on personal preference. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, both switches offer their own unique qualities to suit different typing styles and preferences.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Box White has a shorter travel distance than the Kiwi. The Box White's 3.6 mm travel distance falls into the category of shorter distances, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Kiwi's 4 mm travel distance is closer to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Box White to be more responsive, while others may prefer the longer travel distance of the Kiwi for a greater sense of depth when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and desired responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, often likened to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This neutral sound profile creates a satisfyingly snappy sound that enhances the typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, meaning it offers a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to the materials used and/or factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the TKC Kiwi switch is accented and stepped. Being accented means that it provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The stepped feature indicates that these tactile switches have a two-stage feel, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Like the Kailh Box White, the TKC Kiwi switch also boasts a polished finish, providing a sleek and comfortable typing experience.

Based on the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box White switch and the TKC Kiwi switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile with a polished feel, offering an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with an accented and stepped feel, enhancing the typing experience with a medium-strong bump. Both switches are factory lubed to ensure smooth and effortless typing right out of the box. While their qualities differ, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying feedback. Depending on personal preferences, the choice between the two switches will determine the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a satisfyingly snappy typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is a great choice. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and an accented tactility when typing. The Box White also has a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound. Additionally, the switch has a polished feel, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a more mellow tone, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is worth considering. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, the Kiwi delivers a truly immersive typing experience with its satisfyingly snappy sound profile. The Kiwi switch is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. The switch can be described as having a low-pitched sound profile and an accented and polished feel, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing purposes.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch boils down to your preferences for audio feedback, typing experience, and actuation force. Whether you prioritize the crunchy sound and polished feel of the Box White or the snappy sound and mellow tone of the Kiwi, both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more