Gateron Jupiter Red vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red and the TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. The Jupiter Reds maintain a medium-heavy actuation with a single-stage spring, providing a seamless and consistent feel with softer backlight effects. On the other hand, the Tangerines boast an incredibly smooth keystroke thanks to UHWMPE housings, setting them apart with a high-pitched clack sound when typing. While the Jupiter Reds are described as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Tangerines are categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished'. Both switches cater to those looking for a premium 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
60g
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
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
Spring steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the TKC Tangerine, it is clear that they each offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks, creating a unique typing sound. While both materials offer transparency for RGB lighting, the polycarbonate of the Jupiter Red and the UHWMPE of the Tangerine provide different auditory experiences for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing also offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, contributing to the overall typing sound of the switch. Despite both bottom housings being made of different materials, they both aim to enhance the typing experience by offering unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences of users.
Overall, the combination of the housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on them. While the Jupiter Red and the Tangerine have different top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to create a distinctive typing experience for users. The impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel showcase the importance of selecting the right housing materials to achieve the desired typing experience. Whether it be the transparent polycarbonate of the Jupiter Red or the newer UHWMPE of the Tangerine, users can expect a unique and satisfying typing experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we see that the Jupiter Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tangerine's unknown actuation force. However, the Tangerine has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Jupiter Red for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Tangerine to be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This ensures that typing or gaming with either switch will result in similar tactile feedback and key press distance. As a result, there is no notable difference in travel distance between the two switches, allowing users to choose between them based on other factors such as actuation force, smoothness, and sound profile.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine has a high-pitched sound, which may be appealing to those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red provides a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with minimal friction. Conversely, the TKC Tangerine offers a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, allowing for an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. Both switches excel in providing a luxurious typing sensation, making them top choices for those who prioritize smoothness and comfort while typing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Jupiter Red leans towards a more neutral sound profile and a mix of polished and creamy feel, the Tangerine excels in producing a high-pitched sound and a buttery, frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that you can expect a premium typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a seamless, consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer an incredibly smooth keystroke with high-pitched sound and UHWMPE housings for a unique typing experience, the Tangerine switch would be the optimal selection. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities that align with your typing style and preferences.
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