Kailh Box White vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. Two popular switches that stand out among the rest are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch. The Box White is renowned for its maximum audio feedback, providing users with a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility. On the other hand, the Tangerine is known for its incredibly smooth feel, making every keystroke a pleasure to type. This is partly due to its rare UHWMPE housings, which contribute to its frictionless and buttery nature. While both switches share a high-pitched sound and polished finish, their distinctive qualities set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

TKC Tangerine Linear

$2.76 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the TKC Tangerine have different housing materials that greatly affect their sound profiles. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp and crisp sound when typing. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Tangerine uses a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature. This material offers resonant clacks when typing, adding a unique sound experience to the switches.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Box White utilizes a nylon material. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this material adds to the switch's bright sound signature, creating resonant clacks when typing.

While both switches have different materials for their top and bottom housings, each housing contributes to different aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the Kailh Box White and the TKC Tangerine have different housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that can greatly enhance the typing experience.

Overall, the Kailh Box White and the TKC Tangerine differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while its nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top and bottom housings combine to create a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Despite the differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences and can be used to achieve similar results in terms of enhancing sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are a few notable differences. In terms of actuation force, the Kailh Box White requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the actuation force of the TKC Tangerine is unknown. Therefore, it is difficult to compare them in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kailh Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the TKC Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches can be categorized as medium in this regard.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes lighter switches ideal for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel to provide a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier forces.

Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch has a known actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are considered medium. In contrast, the actuation force of the TKC Tangerine linear switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, also falling within the medium range. Therefore, while we can't directly compare the actuation forces, both switches offer similar results in terms of bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the standard, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, there is a growing trend towards shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, the shorter travel distance of the Box White may be more preferable. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Tangerine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness or a deeper key press experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box White clicky switch is best known for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience. When typing on the Box White, users report a sound that can be likened to stepping on autumn leaves, with a crunchy and resonant sound profile. The tactile feedback is also accented, giving typists a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps chosen.

On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch excels in providing a smooth and pleasurable typing experience. The switch is known for its incredibly smooth feel, making each keystroke a delight. This smoothness can be attributed to the UHWMPE housings, a rare material used in bespoke mechanical switches. While the sound of the Tangerine is described as high-pitched and clacky, the focus is primarily on the effortless and frictionless typing experience it offers.

Comparing the sound qualities, the Box White provides a clean and sharp sound, with its resonant and high-pitched characteristics. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is also high-pitched and clacky in sound. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, but with different tonal qualities.

When it comes to feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel make it enjoyable for typists. Similarly, the Tangerine switch is known for its frictionless and buttery feel, providing an effortless and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches excel in delivering a pleasurable tactile sensation.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a satisfying tactile experience with its accented tactility and crunchy sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch prides itself on its smoothness and frictionless typing experience, accompanied by a high-pitched clack sound. Depending on individual preferences, typists can choose between the satisfying feedback of the Box White or the effortless typing experience of the Tangerine. It is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps chosen, as they can influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a distinct clicking sound when typing, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a crisp and sharp sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Additionally, the Box White switch offers a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing you with a sleek typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the perfect option for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Tangerine switch offers an incredibly smooth feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, which are a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. You can expect a fairly high-pitched clack when typing on them, which adds to the overall pleasant typing sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch boils down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a more audibly satisfying and tactile typing experience, the Box White switch is the way to go. However, if you value a smooth and effortless typing experience without any clicking sound, the Tangerine switch is the ideal choice for you. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preferred feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

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TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more