Gateron Melodic vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience thanks to its UHWMPE housings, a rare feature in bespoke switches. The Tangerine switch also produces a high-pitched clack when typing. While the Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Tangerine is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the TKC Tangerine, both switches feature unique top housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Tangerine incorporates a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the polycarbonate in the Melodic provides a more traditional and clear sound, whereas the UHWMPE in the Tangerine offers a more modern and vibrant sound.
Additionally, when examining the bottom housing materials of these switches, differences can also be observed. The Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound absorbent properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. In contrast, the Tangerine incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which contributes to its bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both bottom housings aim to enhance sound quality, the nylon in the Melodic creates a more subdued and muted sound, while the UHWMPE in the Tangerine provides a more vibrant and lively sound experience.
It is clear that the choice of housing material plays a critical role in determining the sound profile of a switch. In comparing the Gateron Melodic and TKC Tangerine, the use of polycarbonate in the Melodic's top housing results in a crisper and sharper sound, while the UHWMPE in the Tangerine's top housing offers a bright and resonant sound. Similarly, the use of nylon in the Melodic's bottom housing creates a fuller and deeper sound, while the UHWMPE in the Tangerine's bottom housing contributes to a bright and clacky sound experience. Overall, the housing materials of both switches cater to different preferences in sound profiles, providing users with a range of options based on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we can see that both switches have a similar actuation force, as it is not specified for either. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Melodic requires 60 grams, while the Tangerine requires 62 grams. This makes the Tangerine slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of both switches can provide a smoother typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Tangerine may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, both switches offer a medium level of force required for key presses, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Despite being different in their clicky and linear characteristics, both switches offer the same distance for typing or gaming. This makes them both equally suitable for users who prefer a consistent travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, providing a clean and sharp sound profile that is immersive and reminiscent of autumn leaves crunching underfoot. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a brighter tone over a richer, bassier profile. Both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, although the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall build of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is praised for its buttery and invigorating typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Conversely, the TKC Tangerine switch boasts a frictionless and polished sensation, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and efficiency, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic excels in delivering a resonant and crunchy sound alongside a buttery and invigorating feel, while the Tangerine offers a high-pitched sound and frictionless, polished typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of auditory feedback, tactile sensation, and overall typing comfort. Rest assured, both options present solid choices for newcomers seeking a premium mechanical keyboard switch experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, you should choose the Melodic if you enjoy a more resonant and crunchy sound profile, along with a buttery and invigorating typing sensation. The Melodic offers a classic clicky feel with smooth factory lubing for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine would be your choice if you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing feel. The Tangerine provides an incredibly smooth keystroke experience with UHWMPE housings, making each keystroke a pleasure. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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