KTT Laurel vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Laurel and the TKC Tangerine. Both switches are linear, meaning they provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. The KTT Laurel is best known for its medium-light feel, with a full POM housing that offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. It also features a subtly low-pitched sound profile, creating a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine takes the smoothness to the next level with its UHWMPE housing, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. Each keystroke feels incredibly smooth and enjoyable, resulting in a frictionless and buttery typing experience. However, the Tangerine switch produces a fairly high-pitched clack when typing on it. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the TKC Tangerine switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper tone and a relatively more muted quality. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. While both materials affect the sound when a key is released, the POM top housing of the Laurel imparts a deeper and more subdued sound, whereas the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine lends a brighter and more lively sound. Therefore, while similar in generating sound upon key release, these materials produce different tonal qualities.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the KTT Laurel employs a POM housing, exhibiting the same sound profile as its top housing. The deep and muted sound remains consistent throughout the entire typing experience, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material known for its bright sound signature. Consequently, the Tangerine offers a distinct bottom-out sound and feel characterized by resonant clacks. In this aspect, the bottom housing material contributes to a more pronounced sound difference between the two switches, with the Laurel providing a deeper and more subdued experience, while the Tangerine offers a livelier and resonant bottom-out sound.
Although their top and bottom housing materials differ, both the KTT Laurel and the TKC Tangerine switches offer impressive and unique sound profiles. The POM top and bottom housings of the Laurel create a pleasing and muted sound with a deeper tone, while the UHWMPE top and bottom housings of the Tangerine result in a bright and resonant sound. However, it is essential to note that the top housing materials have a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing materials influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, while achieving similar results in terms of sound variation during key release, the Laurel and the Tangerine diverge in overall tonal qualities due to their differing housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are notable differences. The Laurel switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is currently unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Laurel. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams of force to fully press the key, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing the key.
Considering the weight aspect, the Laurel switch seems to be on the lighter side, which is advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Laurel switch allow for a comfortable and effortless typing experience, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch, while having an unknown actuation force, has a medium-weight bottom out force of 62 grams. This provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger typing experience.
In conclusion, the Laurel switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Tangerine switch, making it a favorable choice for those seeking a lighter touch. However, without knowing the exact actuation force of the Tangerine switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Nonetheless, both switches provide varying levels of force for a customized typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we can see that they have different distances. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0mm is considered the norm, while 3.0mm is shallower. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, the Laurel with its shorter travel distance would be the preferred option. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the Tangerine with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. It is worth noting that both switches offer different experiences and have their own advantages.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel switch is best described as having a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its fairly high-pitched clack when typing on them. This produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel switch would be a great choice, while the Tangerine switch would be suitable if you prefer a higher-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as being snappy. This means that it is super responsive and has a more alive typing experience. The snappiness of the Laurel switch can be attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as being frictionless, buttery, and polished. A frictionless switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience by minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. A buttery switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, while a polished switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. These descriptions imply that the Tangerine switch offers a fluid travel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a super responsive typing experience, the Laurel switch would be a great choice, while the Tangerine switch would be more suitable for those who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel and TKC Tangerine switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch has a low-pitched sound profile and is snappy in feel, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch has a high-pitched clack in sound and offers a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed and a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. However, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a super responsive feel, the Laurel switch would be a great choice. If you prioritize a higher-pitched sound with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Tangerine switch would be more suitable. It is worth mentioning that both switches offer their own unique qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light linear switch with a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is an excellent choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams and full POM housing, the Laurel offers a snappy feel that makes the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, it provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
On the other hand, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, the TKC Tangerine would be a great option. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and UHWMPE housings, the Tangerine switch offers a buttery and polished feel, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Moreover, it produces a fairly high-pitched clack when typing, offering a sharp and crisp sound profile.
Ultimately, your decision should depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a snappy and responsive feel with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Laurel is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a frictionless and smooth typing experience with a high-pitched clack, the TKC Tangerine is the ideal choice. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences for the ultimate typing experience.
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