TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This feature enhances your typing experience and provides a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that offers a different typing experience. With a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemons are categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Each switch offers its unique benefits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in several aspects. Firstly, the Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi offers a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the top housing.
When comparing the bottom housings, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE material, while the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to its bright sound signature and resonant clacks. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which enhances sound absorption and results in a duller and rounder sound.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall functionality of the switch. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials between the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both switches provide distinct yet satisfying auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, lighter switches are often preferred for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a relatively similar experience in terms of actuation force.
However, the bottom out force varies between the two switches. The TKC Kiwi has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a smoother and less forceful typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. If someone favors a keyboard that allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Sea Salt Lemon switch may be more suitable. However, for those who value a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the TKC Kiwi with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force would be a better choice.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, if you prefer the feel of one switch and its travel distance, you can expect similar results when using the other switch. This makes it convenient for those who like a consistent typing experience across different keyboards or switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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, both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch are characterized as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, both switches are also described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. This makes them suitable for various typing purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches have two stages of tactility, providing a more mild and nuanced sensation compared to hypertactile switches. The accented characteristic describes a medium tactile switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Kiwi switch is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Sea Salt Lemon switch aims for a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring approachable sound and feel for most users.
In conclusion, both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they both have low-pitched sound profiles and neutral characteristics, the Kiwi switch stands out with its stepped and accented tactile experience, as well as its polished and smooth finish. The Sea Salt Lemon switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, if you are looking for a similar low-pitched sound and neutral profile, both switches can deliver comparable results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump and delivers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, then the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the way to go. These switches are lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience, then the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the better choice. With its progressive spring and dry-lube design, these switches provide a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. Furthermore, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Overall, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, as well as the force required for bottoming out.
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