Gateron Aliaz vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the TKC Tangerine stand out as popular choices with unique features. The Aliaz is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office settings. It offers a medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfyingly substantial feel to each keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Tangerine is a linear switch that boasts an incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks in part to the UHWMPE housings. While the Aliaz is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Tangerine is labeled as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. It ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between these two switches, but both offer their own set of advantages. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
While both the Gateron Aliaz and the TKC Tangerine switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, they offer slightly different sound profiles. The Aliaz is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Tangerine offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Both of these materials are relatively stiff plastics, leading to clear and resonant sound profiles. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, giving them a unique visual appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Aliaz continues to use polycarbonate, maintaining its crisp and clear sound profile. The Tangerine, on the other hand, features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also contributes to its bright sound signature. The qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing users with a tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and TKC Tangerine switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics due to their housing materials, with the Aliaz showcasing a sharper sound profile and the Tangerine providing a bright and resonant typing experience. Whether you prioritize a particular sound profile or are looking for a switch that's compatible with RGB lighting, both options have something unique to offer to keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ significantly. The Gateron Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine offers a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, but its actuation force is unknown, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches have their advantages, with the Aliaz being more suitable for those who prefer a heavier force, while the Tangerine is better suited for those who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended periods of typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4mm of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This provides a similar tactile feedback and typing experience for users of both switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is the same, resulting in similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a muted typing experience, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch produces a higher-pitched clack when typing, which may not be as suitable for noise-sensitive areas. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by offering different levels of smoothness and key travel.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and TKC Tangerine switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch is best suited for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and a pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is ideal for those who prefer a smoother and more frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched clack sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preferences and typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the TKC Tangerine linear switch, think about your environment and typing preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Aliaz switches with their heavier bottom out force may be the best choice for you, especially if you work in an office setting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the Tangerine switches with their high-pitched sound and buttery feel may be the ideal option for enhancing your typing pleasure. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing environment.
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