Kailh Box Navy vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that can provide a heavy typing experience and offer a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect choice. These switches not only bring a sense of nostalgia with their sound signature and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, but they also offer a level of heftiness that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and pleasurable typing experience, the TKC Tangerine switches may be more suitable for you. With their incredibly smooth feel, each keystroke becomes a pleasure. These linear switches are further elevated by the use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, allowing for a frictionless typing experience. Although both switches offer unique advantages, 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
90g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. This results in resonant clacks while typing, providing a unique and engaging auditory feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Box Navy incorporates a nylon material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be particularly appealing to individuals who prefer a more mellow typing experience. Conversely, the Tangerine switch features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also contributes to its bright sound signature. The combination of the UHWMPE top and bottom housings in the Tangerine switch ensures that the resonant clacks are maintained throughout the keystrokes.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials of each switch are split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's properties become evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound generated when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Box Navy and Tangerine switches employ different housing materials, they both provide unique and satisfying typing experiences, ensuring that users can enjoy similar results in terms of auditory feedback, albeit with different tonal characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, a clear contrast emerges. The Box Navy switch boasts a heavy actuation force of 60 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 90 grams. In comparison, the Tangerine switch's actuation force is unknown, and its bottom out force is a moderate 62 grams. This makes the Box Navy significantly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tangerine switch would be a more suitable choice, as it allows for prolonged typing without excessive strain. However, for individuals craving a more substantial and forceful keystroke, the Box Navy switch delivers a strong push feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, with weight playing a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the TKC Tangerine linear switch. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Tangerine switch falls within the realm of traditional travel distances, providing a comfortable and familiar typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Navy switch offers a slightly shorter key press, making it a popular choice for gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key actuation, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance for a more hearty typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is described as having a high-pitched sound when pressed, producing a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Tangerine switches may be a better choice. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These switches have a prominent and distinct tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches are described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. They offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Tangerine switches provide a seamless, fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a perfect fit. They offer a resonant and crunchy sound, as well as a sharp and invigorating feel. However, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the TKC Tangerine linear switches would be the ideal choice. They provide a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, with a sound that is sharp and crisp. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. When typing on a Box Navy switch, you can expect a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Furthermore, the sharp and invigorating tactile feedback of the Box Navy switch creates an immersive typing sensation that is unmatched.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, then the TKC Tangerine linear switches would be the ideal choice. With their UHWMPE housings, these switches offer an incredibly smooth feel that enhances each keystroke, making typing a pleasure. When it comes to sound, the Tangerine switches produce a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound, perfect if you prefer a more precise and clean auditory experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and TKC Tangerine switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavy and tactile switch with a resonant click sound, then the Box Navy is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, then the Tangerine switches are the better option. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that can greatly enhance your typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your individual preferences and typing needs.
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