Gateron Ink Box Black vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options for enthusiasts are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TKC Tangerine. Both switches are linear, providing a smooth keystroke experience. The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredible smoothness and creaminess, reminiscent of the sound of a shaken spray paint can. Categorized as "clacky," "high-pitched," "silky," and "polished," this switch offers a unique auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch promises to elevate your typing experience to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. Featuring UHWMPE housings, a rarity in bespoke mechanical switches, each keystroke becomes a pleasure. Categorized as "frictionless," "buttery," "high-pitched," and "polished," the Tangerine switch offers its own distinct sound and touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the TKC Tangerine have different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, while the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for both housing components. This means that the qualities and characteristics of the housing materials will be consistent throughout each switch. The INK blend in the Ink Box Black is described as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which some users find satisfying and clacky. On the other hand, the UHWMPE material in the Tangerine offers a bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. Though they have different materials, both switches provide a similar clacky sound experience due to their respective housing materials.

When it comes to the impact on the sound and feel during key presses, the bottom housing plays a more significant role. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt upon pressing down on the key. This means that the bottom housing material, whether it be the INK blend or UHWMPE, will heavily influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. So, whether you are using the Gateron Ink Box Black with its INK blend bottom housing or the TKC Tangerine with its UHWMPE bottom housing, you can expect a similar clacky sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TKC Tangerine utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE material produces a bright sound signature. However, if the top and bottom housings are the same for a particular switch, such as the INK blend in the Ink Box Black or the UHWMPE in the Tangerine, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Ink Box Black is 60 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unavailable. This means that the exact force required to trigger a keystroke on the Tangerine switch is unknown. However, the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, slightly heavier than the Tangerine's bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.

For those who prefer lighter switches, the Tangerine switch may be the better choice, as it is likely to have a lower actuation force compared to the Ink Box Black. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for comfortable use over time. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be appealing to users who prefer a stronger and more tactile push feel.

Overall, while the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unavailable, it is expected to be lighter than the Ink Box Black. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, with the Ink Box Black being slightly heavier. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tangerine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Tangerine switch falls within the range of the most traditional travel distance, while the 3.6mm travel distance of the Ink Box Black is on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance offered by the Ink Box Black switch. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance provided by the Tangerine switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, providing users with a pleasurable typing experience. The sound signature of this switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch also offers an incredibly smooth feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, which is a rare feature in bespoke mechanical switches. The sound of the Tangerine switch is described as high-pitched, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when typing.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and TKC Tangerine linear switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience. They both have a polished finish, reducing friction and enhancing the overall smoothness of the keystroke. While the Ink Box Black produces a clacky sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched clack. Overall, users can expect a similar level of smoothness and pleasure when typing on either switch, with the main difference lying in the sound they produce.

Conclusion

To wrap up, both the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have their own unique characteristics that make them appealing choices for different preferences. The Ink Box Black offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a slightly firmer typing experience. It is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that resembles the shaking of a spray paint can. On the other hand, the Tangerine boasts a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a lighter touch during typing. Its standout feature is the UHWMPE housing, which contributes to an incredibly smooth keystroke and a high-pitched sound profile. The Tangerine switch also incorporates a buttery and polished typing sensation, further enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, when selecting between the Ink Box Black and the Tangerine, it comes down to personal preference in terms of typing force, smoothness, and the sound profile that appeals to you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more