TTC Gold Red vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the TKC Tangerine, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Red is known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. Furthermore, these switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Tangerines take typists to new heights with their incredibly smooth feel, making every keystroke a pleasure. One standout feature of the Tangerines is the use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, contributing to their exceptional typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the TKC Tangerine switches differ significantly, contributing to distinct sound profiles. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing. Polycarbonate lends the Gold Red a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating clear and resonant clicks when typing. This material is particularly beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. While both materials enhance the sound experience, the Gold Red's polycarbonate is stiffer, delivering a crisper sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE results in a bright, vibrant sound.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Gold Red and Tangerine switches differ in material composition. The Gold Red employs a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the switch's sound by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE bottom housing, contributing to a very bright sound signature. This material produces resonant clacks that add another layer of auditory satisfaction when typing. Although both materials enhance the typing experience, the Gold Red's nylon imparts a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE brings a more distinctive brightness.

When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on key presses, we see that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch. In the case of the Gold Red, the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, dampening it and creating a rounder feel upon pressing a key. Conversely, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to a brighter sound profile and a more resonant impact when pressing a key. However, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more significant. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red produces a distinct sound upon key release, with its stiffness generating a crisp and clear sound. Similarly, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine exhibits its bright sound signature when letting go of a key. In this regard, both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is relatively light, while its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 50 grams. On the other hand, the Tangerine's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, which falls into the medium category.

Considering weight, the Gold Red switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience. This allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work settings or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tangerine switch offers a more substantial push feel due to its higher bottom out force, providing a stronger and more satisfying typing experience for individuals who prefer a heavier touch.

While the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unknown, if it falls within a similar range as the Gold Red, one can expect similar results in terms of lightness or heaviness. Overall, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference, with the Gold Red offering a lighter option and the Tangerine providing a potentially heavier and more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red and TKC Tangerine linear switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key, the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is identical. This means that whether you choose the Gold Red or the Tangerine switch, you can expect to experience the same tactile feedback and key travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is best described as having a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. The deep "thud" or soft "knock" sound produced when the key is pressed and released adds a satisfying touch to your typing experience. The bass-heavy and mellow tone of these switches is pleasing without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a high-pitched sound. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Tangerine may not be the best choice for you.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. These qualities contribute to a gentle and refined typing experience. The mild characteristics offer a more approachable typing feel, while the silky smoothness enhances the overall typing experience. The subtle resistance makes it suitable for shared spaces, and the polished finish results in smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. These switches provide an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The buttery feel ensures a seamless and uniform typing sensation.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, while the Tangerine offers a high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch is mild, silky, subtle, and polished, while the Tangerine switch is frictionless, buttery, and polished. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the switch that fits your desired sound and feel. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you prefer similar results, both switches offer a smooth and pleasurable typing experience, but with slightly different characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light-medium resistance switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a gentle and approachable feel, with a sound profile that is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. They provide a satisfying typing experience without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, if you want to take your typing experience to the next level and prioritize smoothness, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be the way to go. With the use of UHWMPE housings, these switches offer an incredibly smooth and frictionless feel, resulting in a fluid and effortless typing experience. The Tangerines have a high-pitched clack sound when typing, which can add a unique touch to your keyboard. Overall, both switches have their own strengths and choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for resistance, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more