Durock Medium Tactile vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, and the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch. The Durock Medium Tactile is known for its unique flavor of tactility, providing a pronounced yet balanced feel with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine stands out with its incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks in part to its UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. While the Medium Tactile offers a satisfying tactile feedback, the Tangerine impresses with its buttery smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the TKC Tangerine have distinct housing materials that greatly influence their sound and typing experience. The Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both materials contribute to an enhanced sound experience, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate offers a more pronounced and vibrant tone, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE creates a unique and energetic sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Medium Tactile employs a nylon material that delivers a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This adds a sense of depth and richness to the typing experience. Conversely, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing, like its top housing, brings a bright sound signature to the switch. With this material, the Tangerine offers a more vibrant and lively sound profile compared to the mellow tone of the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, particularly in the bottom-out sound and feel.
While the Durock Medium Tactile and the TKC Tangerine have diverging housing materials, it is worth noting that they both bring unique qualities to the switches. Although they have different strengths and characteristics, both switches offer exceptional sound profiles. If you are seeking a switch with a sharper and crisper sound, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a brighter and more resonant sound, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing would offer a distinct typing experience. Whether you opt for the Medium Tactile or the Tangerine, you can expect high-quality sound and performance, although the specific attributes may vary.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches have unavailable gram values, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, we can assume that they might provide similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium category. This means that the Durock Medium Tactile switch will provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the TKC Tangerine switch.
When considering weight, it is worth noting that some prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. This allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces.
Overall, while the actuation forces are unknown for both switches, it can be assumed that they will offer similar results. The Durock Medium Tactile switch is on the heavier side with a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the TKC Tangerine switch is slightly lighter with a bottom out force of 62 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature. While the specific descriptor for the Tangerine switch's sound is not provided, it is mentioned that there is a fairly high-pitched clack when typing on them. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Medium Tactile having a jelly-like sound and the Tangerine having a high-pitched clack. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, the sound experience may vary based on these additional elements.
When it comes to feel, the Medium Tactile switch is described as having a balanced tactility and being accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, has a two-stage feel with pre-travel and/or post-travel, offers a gentle typing experience, and has a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is described as smooth, frictionless, buttery, and polished. This implies that it offers an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction, provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation, and also has a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer desirable qualities in terms of feel, with the Medium Tactile emphasizing a balanced tactility and the Tangerine emphasizing smoothness and fluidity.
Based on the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, jelly-like sound signature, and various qualities such as being accented, stepped, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its incredibly smooth feel, UHWMPE housings, high-pitched clack, and qualities such as being frictionless, buttery, and polished. While they offer different qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps when making a decision. It is also worth noting that both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, these switches provide a range of options for newcomers to choose from, and depending on individual preferences, similar results can be achieved in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched clack sound, the TKC Tangerine is the way to go. Both switches offer polished finishes, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile provides an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, while the TKC Tangerine offers a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Consider these factors and select the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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