TTC Gold Silver vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it becomes evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a sense of closure with each keystroke and a resonant sound signature that emphasizes swift action. On the other hand, the Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth feel, making typing a pleasurable experience with its UHWMPE housings. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Gold Silver being more polished, thocky, and low-pitched, while the Tangerine is frictionless, buttery, and high-pitched. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the TKC Tangerine, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Gold Silver utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Tangerine features UHWMPE for its top housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, they achieve different tones and characteristics, providing users with unique typing experiences.
Another point of comparison is found in the bottom housing materials of the Gold Silver and Tangerine switches. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound for a duller sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, adding to the overall typing experience. Despite using different materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound profile for users, albeit with distinct tonal qualities.
Overall, while the Gold Silver and Tangerine switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both prioritize delivering a unique sound profile for users. The Gold Silver's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a sharp and clear sound on top with a deep and full sound at the bottom. In contrast, the Tangerine's use of UHWMPE for both top and bottom housings results in a bright sound signature with resonant clacks throughout typing. Users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound characteristics and typing feel, as both provide an enhanced mechanical keyboard experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Tangerine switch has a heavier force of 62 grams, while the Gold Silver switch has an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver switch may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or for long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to press the keys. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the TKC Tangerine switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Tangerine's 4 mm. The Gold Silver's 3.5 mm travel distance is ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from shorter distances for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Tangerine's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial depth for those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user values a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more deliberate key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound with a satisfying thud upon each press. This switch also offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing environments. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise with each keystroke. This difference in sound profile between the two switches may appeal to different preferences, with the Gold Silver offering a deeper tone while the Tangerine providing a more sharp and clear sound.
When considering the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and minimal friction. This results in a sleek and comfortable keystroke for users. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid travel and uniform sensation. The Tangerine switch's emphasis on smoothness and fluidity sets it apart from the Gold Silver switch, which focuses more on a polished and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in providing a rapid and decisive keystroke with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, while offering a polished and silky feel for a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch stands out for its incredibly smooth feel and high-pitched sound, with an emphasis on frictionless and buttery keystrokes for an effortless typing sensation. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether one prioritizes a deep and rich sound with precision (Gold Silver) or a smooth and effortless typing experience (Tangerine). Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and are sure to enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a satisfying bottom-out feel, and a resonant sound signature, the Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value an incredibly smooth typing experience, high-pitched sound profile, and UHWMPE housings for a premium feel, the Tangerine switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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