KTT Cream Yellow vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cream Yellow and TKC Tangerine are two enticing options to consider. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers an incredibly smooth typing experience that elevates your overall enjoyment. This is largely due to the UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. The Tangerine switch also provides a satisfying, albeit slightly high-pitched clack while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the TKC Tangerine differ in terms of their housing materials. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound production. Additionally, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. While both top housings aim to enhance sound quality, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate offers a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE produces a brighter and more distinct sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon material, which is a classic choice for switch housing. Nylon is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing. Like its top counterpart, this newer material contributes to a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing prioritizes deeper sounds, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing focuses on producing more vibrant and lively sound characteristics.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound produced by these switches, the combination of top and bottom housings plays a crucial role. The characteristics of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or UHWMPE, heavily influence the sound and feel upon pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it be polycarbonate or UHWMPE, has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, while the Cream Yellow and the Tangerine have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they both strive to deliver distinct sound profiles that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are a few key differences. The actuation force of the Cream Yellow is 50 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to assess. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Cream Yellow measuring at 58 grams and the Tangerine at 62 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. This can be particularly useful for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. These users may opt for switches with heavier forces.
In terms of actuation force, the Cream Yellow may offer a slightly lighter typing experience at 50 grams, compared to the Tangerine, which has an unavailable actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Tangerine slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 58 grams.
While the actuation force of the Tangerine is unknown, individuals seeking a similar typing experience to the Cream Yellow may still achieve similar results due to the medium bottom out force of both switches. However, for those who specifically prefer switches with a known actuation force, the Cream Yellow may be the lighter option, while the Tangerine may provide a slightly stronger push feel. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining the preferred switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferable choice for gamers who value fast response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers a slightly deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance. Some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the hearty depth provided by the longer travel distance of the Tangerine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and whether one prefers a shorter, snappier feel or a longer, more substantial keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
The Cream Yellow switch is specifically designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers a fairly high-pitched clack when typing on them. They produce a sharp and crisp sound, which is different from the Cream Yellow's clacky sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Tangerine switch may not be the best choice for you.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. The shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a lively feel, giving you rebound when pressed. This spring-like or elastic feedback sensation provides a bouncy feel to the keys. On the contrary, the Tangerine switch offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. It is designed to be extremely smooth and effortless, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The fluid travel of the Tangerine switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Tangerine switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Cream Yellow and Tangerine switches offer different subjective qualities. The Cream Yellow provides a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched clack sound and a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches for a customized typing experience. It's important to note that the ultimate result may also depend on other factors, such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be the better option for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, it provides resonant audio feedback and a uniquely lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you value an incredibly smooth feel and a frictionless, buttery, or polished typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be more suitable for you. Its UHWMPE housings offer a rare level of smoothness, resulting in a pleasureable and effortless typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched clack sound, the Tangerine switch provides a sharp and crisp sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between the Cream Yellow and the Tangerine should be based on the sound and feel preferences you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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