Durock Black Lotus vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Black Lotus and the TKC Tangerine. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision, offering optimal typing pleasure by reducing housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a perfect balance between substantial and not too hefty, this linear switch provides a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a unique removable light column, which adds in-switch lighting for added flair. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers a whole new level of typing enjoyment. With an incredibly smooth feel and each keystroke being a pleasure to type, this linear switch is a game-changer. It stands out from the crowd with its rare UHWMPE housings, ensuring a frictionless typing experience. However, it's worth noting that it may produce a slightly high-pitched clack when typing. While these generalities highlight each switch's unique features, let's now dive deeper to help you make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the TKC Tangerine switches have distinct differences that contribute to varying typing experiences. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, known for producing bright and resonant clacks while typing. While both switches offer premium sensations, the Black Lotus focuses on a premium feel, while the Tangerine prioritizes a bright sound signature.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Black Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the switch's sound profile by eliciting a deeper and fuller tone. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, resulting in a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. The use of newer materials in switch housings allows the Tangerine to deliver a different sound experience compared to the classic nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus.
When considering the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are felt differently. Pressing down on the switch primarily emphasizes the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, the material composition of the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the overall experience when pressing a key. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound produced when releasing a key, allowing for differences in sound profiles between the Black Lotus and the Tangerine switches.
In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus and the TKC Tangerine switches both offer premium sensations, they differentiate themselves in terms of the housing materials used. The selection of housing materials affects the overall feel and sound produced during typing. The Black Lotus provides a unique and premium feel through its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, coupled with a deeper and fuller sound profile from its nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Tangerine focuses on a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, achieved through the usage of UHWMPE material for both top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, which is not specified for the Tangerine. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Black Lotus measuring 63.5 grams and the Tangerine weighing 62 grams. In terms of weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for easier keystrokes over a longer period. The Black Lotus, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial typing experience to those who value a stronger push feel. However, those who prefer a medium actuation and bottom out force may find the Tangerine switch more suitable. Overall, while the actuation forces may differ between the two switches, they offer similar bottom out forces, allowing users to achieve comparable results based on their preference for a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an essential factor to consider when selecting a keyboard switch. In the case of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by both switches. With their identical travel distances, both the Durock Black Lotus and the TKC Tangerine linear switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus switches have an unknown description, so it's difficult to compare them to the TKC Tangerine switches. However, the Tangerine switches are described as high-pitched, meaning they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Tangerine switches may not be the best choice for you. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switches are described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. Silky switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Butter switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, similar to a polished switch, which has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. It is worth noting that the Black Lotus switches also boast reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure, adding to their overall feel.
On the other hand, the Tangerine switches are described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. Frictionless switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This, combined with the buttery and polished characteristics, ensures a fluid and sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and TKC Tangerine linear switches exhibit smooth and refined qualities. Although the sound qualities of the Black Lotus switches are unknown, they are praised for their silky feel and reduced wobble. The Tangerine switches, on the other hand, are known for their high-pitched sound and frictionless feel. Overall, if you are seeking a smooth typing experience, both switches will provide similar results, but the Tangerine switches may offer a slightly higher-pitched sound and a more frictionless typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the unique light column feature, the Black Lotus is a great choice. It offers a silky smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced wobble, making each keystroke a pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value the use of UHWMPE housings, the Tangerine switch is a standout option. It provides an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, with the added benefit of a high-pitched clack sound. Ultimately, both switches offer smooth and polished typing experiences, but the specific features and preferences may lead you to lean towards one over the other.
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