KTT Ash Gray vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Ash Gray and the TKC Tangerine are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and benefits. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch that provides a light touch and crisp actuation, offering a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Tangerine is a linear switch that boasts an incredibly smooth feel, making every keystroke a pleasure. It stands out with its use of UHWMPE housings, which are uncommon in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. The Tangerine switch also produces a fairly high-pitched clack while typing. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them appealing to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the TKC Tangerine have different housing materials, leading to variations in their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness in its sound profile. With its translucency, it also complements the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, providing a very bright sound signature and delivering resonant clacks when typing. While both housing materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate offers a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE produces a brighter and more impactful typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ash Gray incorporates a nylon material, known for its classic switch housing qualities. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. Conversely, the Tangerine employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material for switch housings. Its bright sound signature enhances the resonant clacks when typing. Although they have different materials, both bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall sound profile, with the Ash Gray providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tangerine emphasizes a brighter and more resonant tapping experience.
Considering the differences in top and bottom housing materials, the impact on the sound profile and feel of the switch differs depending on where the materials are used. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and more absorbing sound upon pressing down the key. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing delivers a bright and resonant clack. Conversely, the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a pressed key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray adds sharpness and clarity to the sound, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine enhances the overall brightness of the sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with a diverse range of sound profiles to choose from.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, notable differences can be observed. The Ash Gray switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. In contrast, the Tangerine switch does not provide information on its actuation force and has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may find the Ash Gray more suitable. The lighter actuation force allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the Tangerine switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferable option.
Although specific actuation force details are unavailable for the Tangerine switch, it can be inferred that it is within a similar range to the Ash Gray switch. Therefore, users seeking a similar typing experience can expect comparable results between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the lighter Ash Gray switch and the heavier Tangerine switch will depend on individual preferences and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Tangerine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers a deeper travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying sensation for those who prefer a greater sense of depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
Starting with sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch has a high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when typing. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound, the Tangerine switch would be a better choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for being easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch is described as having a mild typing experience, offering a safe middle-ground in terms of its tactile feedback and overall feel.
On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch provides a frictionless and buttery typing experience. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless keystroke, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The Tangerine switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This combination of qualities creates a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray and TKC Tangerine switches offer different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch provides a tactile response that is light and crisp, with a blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. It has a neutral sound profile and offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers an incredibly smooth and frictionless feel, with a high-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics, catered to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar feel to the Tangerine switch but with a different sound profile, you can achieve similar results by using the Ash Gray switch with a keyboard board and keycaps that produce a higher-pitched sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile response that is subtle yet noticeable, with a light touch and crisp actuation, then the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. This switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but far from unnoticed. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light, and provides an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. It is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and can be used at home or work.
On the other hand, if you value an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, accompanied by a high-pitched clack when typing, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the one for you. With UHWMPE housings that are rare in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, the Tangerine switch offers a pleasure to type with its smooth feel. It has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, and provides a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience.
Consider your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel when making a decision between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their distinct advantages and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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