TTC Bluish White vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a few options to consider. Two popular choices are the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch. The bluish white switch is known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. With its smooth, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, low-pitched sound profile, each keystroke feels crisp and satisfying. On the other hand, the tangerine switch offers an incredibly smooth feel, taking your typing experience to the next level. Its use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of mechanical switches, contributes to this smoothness. With a frictionless, buttery, high-pitched, polished sound profile, each keystroke is a pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is the best fit for you.

By the numbers

TTC Bluish White Tactile

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the TKC Tangerine switches have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, which produces a very bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks during typing. While both materials create distinct sounds, the polycarbonate of the Bluish White emphasizes clarity, while the UHWMPE of the Tangerine emphasizes brightness.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Bluish White adopts a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also contributes to a bright sound signature. This material is relatively newer for switch housings and offers resonant clacks during typing. Although both bottom housings contribute to a resonant sound, the nylon of the Bluish White focuses on creating a deeper tone, while the UHWMPE of the Tangerine emphasizes brightness.

When both the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. In the case of the Bluish White, this means that the softer nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing the switch. Conversely, the top housing, which is polycarbonate in the Bluish White, will have a larger influence on the sound produced when the key is released. Similarly, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing affects the sound profile when a key is released, while the UHWMPE bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, while the materials may differ, both switches incorporate housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, meaning it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to determine how it compares in terms of lightness or heaviness. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, which is still considered light. On the other hand, the Tangerine has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Bluish White switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Tangerine switch offers a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some may find the lighter force of the Bluish White more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier force of the Tangerine for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the TKC Tangerine linear switch. The 4.0mm distance is the more traditional and commonly found travel distance, while the 3.0mm distance is considered the shallowest. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Bluish White switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a deeper key press. For those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the TKC Tangerine switch with its longer travel distance would be more appropriate.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for its low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow sound when pressed, providing a satisfying and deep typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is described as high-pitched, generating a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound profile, the low-pitched Bluish White switch would be a better choice. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bluish White switch has several descriptors that convey its tactile sensation. It is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform in nature. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is noted as mild, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground. It is neither too pronounced nor too subtle, making it approachable for most users. Furthermore, the Bluish White switch is also referred to as stepped, suggesting that it has a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Lastly, the Bluish White switch is described as subtle, indicating that it has a gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.

Contrastingly, the Tangerine linear switch is characterized by its smooth and frictionless feel. It is described as buttery, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation similar to the Bluish White switch. Additionally, the Tangerine switch is also referred to as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking all the available information into consideration, we can conclude that the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Bluish White switch produces a low-pitched sound with a buttery, mild, stepped, and subtle feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch generates a high-pitched sound with a buttery and polished feel. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a high-pitched sound and a smooth, polished feel, the Tangerine switch would be a better fit. Nevertheless, both switches offer satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different characteristics.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, then the Bluish Whites are the ideal choice for you. They offer a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. The low-pitched sound profile of these switches adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a next-level typing experience with a medium bottom out force and an incredibly smooth feel, the Tangerines are the way to go. Their UHWMPE housing contributes to a frictionless and polished switch, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. With high-pitched sound characteristics, the Tangerines produce a sharp and crisp sound upon every press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more rich and sharp tone.

Ultimately, the decision between the Bluish White tactile switch and the Tangerine linear switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your desired typing experience, whether you prioritize a poppy tactile feel or a smooth linear feel, and the sound characteristics that resonate with you. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed choice and enjoy a keyboard switch that perfectly suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more