Bsun Pine vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and TKC Tangerine stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Pine switch is revered for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, offering a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch boasts a silky smooth feel and unique UHWMPE housings for a luxurious typing sensation. While the Pine switch is best suited for those who crave accentuated tactility, the Tangerine switch is perfect for individuals seeking a frictionless and polished typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and TKC Tangerine both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers resonant clacks when typing. In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's clear polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing provides a bright sound signature. Both housing materials bring different qualities to the switches, catering to different preferences in sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Pine utilizes nylon which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing also offers a bright sound signature, contributing to resonant clacks when typing. While nylon and UHWMPE are different materials, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound experience of each switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Bsun Pine and TKC Tangerine switches highlights the importance of top and bottom housing in influencing sound profiles. The qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel when typing. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with polycarbonate or a bright sound signature with UHWMPE, both switches offer unique experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Pine is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Tangerine's 62 grams. This means that the Bsun Pine switch requires more force to initiate a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the TKC Tangerine switch. While both switches fall into the medium category of weight, the Pine switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing, the Tangerine switch may be the better choice, while those looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the Pine switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches provide a distinct feel when pressed, with the Pine offering a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, while the Tangerine offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 BSUN Pine switch offers a sharp and crisp tapping sound when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its high-pitched clack, which adds a unique sound profile to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall sound profile one is looking to achieve.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile sensation that is both responsive and distinctive. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience. While the Pine switch emphasizes a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback, the Tangerine switch focuses on a smoother keystroke with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a unique feel that caters to different typing preferences, so users can choose based on the tactile experience they prefer.
Overall, the BSUN Pine switch and the TKC Tangerine switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Pine switch provides a sharp and crisp tactile feedback with a quick bottom-out, while the Tangerine switch offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched clack. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches provide exceptional qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a switch with a sharp tactile bump, fast action, and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Pine switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine switch might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize tactility and quick feedback or smoothness and ease of typing.
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