TTC Flame Red vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the TKC Tangerine both offer unique features and qualities. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning visuals, particularly its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these linear switches provides a weighty smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches offer an unparalleled typing experience with their incredibly smooth feel. Each keystroke is a pleasure, thanks in part to the rare UHWMPE housings. However, to truly determine the best switch for you, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics and distinctions.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and TKC Tangerine switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches utilize UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. This material produces resonant clacks when typing, creating a more vibrant and sharp sound compared to nylon.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and Tangerine switches use nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a similar experience for both switches. The use of nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect similar bottom-out sound and feel from both the Flame Red and Tangerine switches.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the sound produced by the switches. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable. Therefore, the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Alternatively, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. As such, the nylon top housing of the Flame Red and UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine switches will provide distinctly different sound profiles when typing. The Flame Red's nylon top housing will create a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing will produce a brighter and more resonant sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Tangerine, for which the actuation force is not available. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Flame Red measuring 54 grams and the Tangerine at 62 grams. This means that while typing on the Flame Red may feel lighter and require less effort to trigger a keystroke, both switches offer a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red would be an ideal choice, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial feel and a stronger push when typing might prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Tangerine. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing similar results in terms of the tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the Flame Red linear switch is considered to have a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a sound that is moderate and suitable for most typing purposes. It neither leans towards being too loud or too soft, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various settings such as at home or at work. On the other hand, the Tangerine linear switch is described as having a high-pitched sound. This means that it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a sound that is more on the higher end, and dislike the deeper bassy sounds of other switches, then the Tangerine is a good option for you. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing sensation, falling in a safe middle-ground zone that many find approachable. The smoothness and refined finish of a polished switch result in reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to an overall sleek typing experience. The Tangerine linear switch, on the other hand, offers a frictionless and buttery feel. This means that it provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It offers a fluid travel that feels seamless, effortless, and uniform. Additionally, the Tangerine switch also boasts the use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, which further enhances its smooth feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red and TKC Tangerine linear switches differ in their sound and feel profiles. The Flame Red has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, while the Tangerine has a high-pitched sound, providing a sharper and crisper typing experience. In terms of feel, the Flame Red offers a mild and polished experience, while the Tangerine offers a frictionless and buttery feel, thanks in part to its use of UHWMPE housings. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if you are looking for a similar feel to the Tangerine but with a different sound, you can consider applying certain modifications or pairing the Tangerine switch with a different keyboard board and keycaps to achieve the desired sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a visually stunning switch with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound, the Flame Red switches would be the perfect choice. These switches excel in backlit RGB keyboards due to their dazzling light diffuser. They have a medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams and offer a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you want to take your typing experience to the next level with an incredibly smooth feel, the Tangerine switches are the way to go. These switches feature UHWMPE housings, which are rare in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, resulting in a pleasurable typing experience. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Tangerine switches produce a high-pitched clack sound. They offer a frictionless and buttery feel, ensuring an effortless and uniform typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between TTC Flame Red and TKC Tangerine switches depends on your preferences. If you prioritize visual aesthetics, weighty smoothness, and clacky sound, the Flame Red switches are the ideal option. However, if you value an incredibly smooth feel, a high-pitched sound, and a frictionless and buttery typing experience, the Tangerine switches would be the perfect fit. Consider your priorities and pick the switch that best suits your needs.
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