SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TKC Tangerine. These switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Meteor Orange switches are best known for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile. They provide a soft and seductive typing experience, making them ideal for those seeking an exquisite tactile switch. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches are renowned for their smoothness, taking your typing experience to the next level. With UHWMPE housings, these linear switches offer a frictionless and buttery keystroke, making each press a pleasure. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in terms of the top and bottom housings. The Meteor Orange utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Tangerine incorporates UHWMPE for both.
In terms of sound profiles, the Meteor Orange's nylon top and bottom housing materials create a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top and bottom housings produce a very bright sound signature. When typing on switches with UHWMPE housings, you can expect resonant clacks that offer a distinctive sound experience.
The feel of the switches also varies due to the different housing materials used. The bottom housing, which makes contact with the keyboard plate, has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the qualities of the Meteor Orange's nylon bottom housing would be more apparent when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing, such as the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing, would impact the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while there are distinctions between the nylon top and bottom housing of the Meteor Orange and the UHWMPE top and bottom housing of the Tangerine, the resulting effects on sound and feel can be similar. Both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience, with the Meteor Orange providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tangerine delivers a bright and resonant clack.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we find that the Meteor Orange has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the Tangerine also has an actuation force of unavailable grams. Therefore, we can assume that both switches require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Meteor Orange has a force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Tangerine has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, which is still categorized as medium. This means that the Tangerine switch requires a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing experience compared to the Meteor Orange.
Considering the importance of weight in keyboard switches, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Meteor Orange more suitable, as it allows for longer typing durations, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Tangerine switch, as its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial tactile feedback during typing.
In summary, while the actuation force is similar for both switches, the Tangerine switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Meteor Orange. This difference in force makes the Tangerine switch more appealing to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. However, individuals looking for a lighter switch may find the Meteor Orange more suitable for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom, providing a consistent and satisfying experience when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Meteor Orange or the Tangerine, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate level of sound when pressed, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. It does not have any specific sound characteristic like a deep "thock" or a sharp "clack". On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its high-pitched sound. When typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound with each key press. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound profile, the Tangerine switch would be a good choice. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. It offers a gentle tactile feedback, making it approachable for most users. The switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, neither too heavy nor too light. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switch is considered to be polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and allows for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its frictionless feel. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Tangerine switch is also described as "buttery," providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Meteor Orange switch, the Tangerine switch is also polished, ensuring a sleek typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have their own unique qualities. The Meteor Orange switch stands out for its soft and seductive tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished finish. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch impresses with its incredibly smooth feel, high-pitched sound, and the use of UHWMPE housings. While they differ in terms of tactile feedback and sound characteristics, both switches offer a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers will have a positive introduction to mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a soft and gentle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches offer a medium-light typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, if you prefer a more mild and polished feel, the Meteor Orange switches will provide a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you value an incredibly smooth keystroke and a high-pitched sound profile, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a medium typing experience. With UHWMPE housings, the Tangerine switches provide a frictionless and buttery typing sensation, minimizing any sense of resistance. However, it is worth noting that their sound profile leans towards a high-pitched and crisp sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience.
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