TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Blue Jade stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch, offering a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing your typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Additionally, these switches come lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its distinctive click sound with each key press. While the Kiwi provides a tactile feedback, the Blue Jade offers a more audible and pronounced typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for different users. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and Outemu Blue Jade both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Kiwi featuring UHWMPE top and bottom housings while the Blue Jade opts for nylon in both top and bottom housings. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi may provide a crisper and more vibrant typing sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the TKC Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing also contributes to the bright sound signature and resonant clacks characteristic of this switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing complements the nylon top housing in producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of housing material for the bottom of the switch can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing. While the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi emphasizes the bright and crisp sound during key presses, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Jade adds to the overall depth and roundness of the typing sound experience.
In summary, the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Blue Jade play a crucial role in defining the sound profiles of these switches. The UHWMPE top and bottom housings of the Kiwi offer a bright and resonant typing experience, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the Blue Jade create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the vibrant and crisp sound of the Kiwi or the deeper and fuller sound of the Blue Jade. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. The Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 50 grams. However, the Kiwi has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams in contrast to the Blue Jade's 65 grams. This means that while the Kiwi may require a lighter initial push to activate a keystroke, it will provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Both switches offer a similar feel due to their similar weight range, making them suitable for users who prefer a medium-heavy key switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the tactile feedback and clickiness of the switches. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both offer the same 4 mm distance. This similarity in travel distance may make it easier for users to transition between keyboards equipped with either the TKC Kiwi or Outemu Blue Jade switches without significantly altering their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10.
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
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. This provides a satisfyingly snappy sound that enhances the typing experience. In terms of feel, the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press with a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have specific information available for its sound or feel qualities. However, based on the information provided, the Kiwi tactile switch offers a more detailed description of its sound and feel characteristics compared to the Blue Jade clicky switch.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi switch would be a suitable choice. Its stepped, accented, and polished feel provides a satisfying typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are unknown, it is important to consider individual preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a stepped, accented, and polished feel, then the Kiwi switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Blue Jade switch may be more suitable. Consider how each switch aligns with your typing preferences and choose the one that will enhance your overall typing experience.
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