Sarokeys BCP vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Sarokeys BCP and the TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sarokeys BCP, known for its creamy and bouncy feel, provides a satisfying typing experience with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine boasts an incredibly smooth feel with UHWMPE housings, offering a frictionless and buttery typing experience accompanied by a high-pitched clack. While the BCP is categorized as ['Bouncy', 'Creamy', 'Clacky'] and the Tangerine as ['Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished'], both switches have their own appeal and 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
51g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys BCP and the TKC Tangerine both use different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The BCP features nylon top and bottom housings, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE top and bottom housings, offering a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. These contrasting materials create distinct acoustic experiences for users, with the nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the UHWMPE's sharper and more resonant tone.
Despite their differences, the nylon top and bottom housings of the BCP share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile. Both components contribute to creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches equipped with nylon housing. In contrast, the UHWMPE top and bottom housings of the Tangerine offer a more distinctive sound experience, with the top housing playing a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This difference in material composition results in a unique typing experience for users of the Tangerine switches, compared to the more consistent sound profile of the BCP switches.
Overall, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and the TKC Tangerine ultimately comes down to the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience. While the BCP offers a consistent and deep sound profile with its nylon housing, the Tangerine provides a brighter and more resonant typing experience with its UHWMPE housing. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and more resonant tone, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, users can experiment with both housing materials to determine which one aligns best with their typing style and sound preferences.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Tangerine switch has a heavier force of 62 grams while the BCP switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams. This makes the Tangerine switch more suitable for those who prefer a heavier typing experience, while the BCP switch offers a slightly lighter feel. Both switches provide a medium level of force, but the Tangerine switch leans towards the heavier side, which can be beneficial for users looking for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we see that the BCP has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. The BCP offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Tangerine provides a longer travel distance, which can offer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Both options have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the BCP offering a shorter distance for quicker typing and the Tangerine providing a longer distance for a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, which switch you choose will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
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 Sarokeys BCP linear switch is known for its signature clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the BCP having a more classic clack and the Tangerine offering a higher-pitched tone.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy typing experience. The keys provide a spring-like elastic feedback, giving a lively sensation with a smooth and buttery feel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience, with keys that glide effortlessly and smoothly. Additionally, the Tangerine switch is noted for its polished finish, providing a sleek and refined typing sensation.
Overall, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The BCP provides a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Tangerine offers a high-pitched sound with a frictionless and buttery feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between these switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Both switches promise a premium typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfactory results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you in a switch. If you prioritize a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Sarokeys BCP may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, frictionless, and high-pitched typing sensation with a medium bottom out force, then the TKC Tangerine switch could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so make your decision based on what feels best for you.
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