KTT Darling vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and the TKC Tangerine both offer unique typing experiences. The KTT Darling is a linear switch that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a bouncy and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. The high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out adds to the overall tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine is also a linear switch known for its incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the rare UHWMPE housings. While typing on the Tangerine, users can expect a high-pitched clack, providing a frictionless and buttery 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and TKC Tangerine switches offer unique characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In contrast, the Darling's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to a bright sound signature.
Despite their differences, both the Darling and Tangerine switches incorporate innovative materials in their housing design. The use of polycarbonate in the Darling's top housing and nylon in the bottom housing provides a combination of sharp and deep sound profiles. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch utilizes UHWMPE material for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistently bright sound signature throughout the typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Darling and TKC Tangerine switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. The Darling's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a unique combination of sharp and deep sounds, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing materials provide a consistently bright sound signature. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Darling or a resonant clack with the Tangerine, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine linear switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered a medium force. When comparing the two, the Darling switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Tangerine switch requires a heavier force to bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Darling switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial and forceful keystroke may opt for the Tangerine switch for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches provide users with different options based on their personal preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tangerine has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but for some users, it can make a significant impact on their typing experience. Those who prefer a faster response time may opt for the Darling with its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Tangerine with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both options offer their own unique advantages.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that is resonant upon bottoming out, offering a crisp and engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a fairly high-pitched clack while typing, emphasizing a sharp and snappy sound profile. Both switches lean towards a higher-pitched sound, which can add a level of sharpness to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice of sound will depend on personal preference and other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a bouncy typing experience, providing a springy and lively feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, ensuring an incredibly smooth and effortless typing sensation. The Tangerine switch aims for a seamless and uniform keystroke experience, while the Darling switch focuses on a bouncy and responsive feel. Both switches prioritize comfort and smoothness in typing, catering to users with different preferences in tactile feedback.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Darling switch excels in providing a chewy and bouncy typing experience with a resonant high-pitched sound, while the Tangerine switch prioritizes smoothness and fluidity in keystrokes, accompanied by a high-pitched clack. Whether you prefer a more tactile and resonant typing experience or a smoother and frictionless feel, both switches promise to elevate your typing experience to the next level. Consider experimenting with different switches to find the perfect match for your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, you should consider the specific typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and springy feel, along with a resonant and high-pitched sound, the Darling switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth feel with a high-pitched clack sound and a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience, the Tangerine switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the tactile and auditory feedback you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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