Cherry MX Black vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Cherry MX Black and the TKC Tangerine. Both switches fall under the linear category, but each offers a unique typing experience. The MX Black is best known for its classic textured smoothness achieved through Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. Typing on these switches produces a familiar deep sound profile, offering a low-pitched and stiff feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch aims to elevate your typing experience with its incredibly smooth feel. This is made possible by the UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. With the Tangerine switch, you can expect a frictionless and buttery typing experience accompanied by a fairly high-pitched clack. While these general attributes give you a glimpse into each switch's characteristics, let's delve deeper into their features to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the TKC Tangerine switches have different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The MX Black's nylon top housing, being a classic switch housing material, creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Tangerine's top housing is made of UHWMPE, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE top housing offers resonant clacks, providing a more lively and vibrant typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the MX Black uses nylon, similar to its top housing. As a result, its sound profile remains consistent with a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, contributing to the switch's dull and round sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Tangerine incorporates UHWMPE for its bottom housing, making it different from its top housing material. This creates a contrasting effect, as UHWMPE offers a very bright sound signature. When typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housing, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced, providing a distinct and energetic feedback.
While the Cherry MX Black and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles. The MX Black, with its nylon top and bottom housing, provides a deeper and fuller sound with a dull and round effect overall. Similarly, the Tangerine, featuring UHWMPE top and bottom housing, delivers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Although the specifics of the sounds may vary, both switches offer a tactile typing experience that enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a brighter and livelier one, these switches provide satisfying feedback that enhances the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a bottom out force; however, the bottom out force of the MX Black is 80 grams, which is heavier compared to the Tangerine's 62 grams.
Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Tangerine switch, as it potentially exerts a lighter actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for extended periods of typing, making it ideal for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the MX Black switch, as it requires a stronger push, providing a more robust and satisfying feedback.
While the actuation force for the Tangerine switch is currently unknown, it is essential to consider that a similar actuation force to the MX Black can still be achieved by selecting a variant with a higher force. This ensures that users can obtain a comparable experience to the MX Black's actuation force, even if the specific weight is uncertain.
In conclusion, the MX Black linear switch is characterized by a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Tangerine linear switch. The Tangerine switch potentially offers a lighter typing experience, but its exact actuation force is currently unavailable. Both switches provide options for individuals who prefer different tactile feedback and typing experiences, allowing them to choose based on their personal preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. The travel distance is an important factor to consider as it can greatly impact the typing experience and the overall feel of the keyboard. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Black or the TKC Tangerine, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for a low-pitched sound profile. These switches offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing, giving a deep and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack when pressed. This switch offers a sharp and crisp sound, which some users may prefer over the richer and bassier sound of other switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you are looking for a similar low-pitched sound to the MX Black, the Tangerine may not provide the same results.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as textured and stiff. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, offering a tactile typing experience. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, which can be preferred by users who prefer a firmer typing feel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with no sense of resistance or friction. They provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation, thanks to the smooth and refined finish of the switch. If you prefer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, the Tangerine switch would be a better choice compared to the MX Black.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black provides a low-pitched sound profile with a textured and stiff typing feel, while the Tangerine offers a high-pitched clack with a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose the switch that suits your typing style and desired sound. If you prefer a low-pitched sound with a textured and stiff feel, the MX Black would be a good option. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound with a frictionless and polished feel, the Tangerine switch would be a better fit. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a heavier keypress and enjoys a low-pitched sound profile with a textured and stiff feel, then the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. With Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound profile. However, if you are looking for a medium keypress with a high-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, then the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be the ideal option. The UHWMPE housings of the Tangerine switches provide an incredibly smooth typing experience, offering a higher-pitched clack when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences for keypress weight, sound profile, and typing feel.
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