Cherry MX Brown vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and TKC Tangerine offer unique experiences for users. The MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience accompanied by gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch takes your typing experience to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. Each keystroke becomes a pleasure, thanks in part to the rare UHWMPE housings that contribute to its frictionless and buttery operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the TKC Tangerine differ in their choice of housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which is a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature. When typing on switches with UHWMPE housings, users can expect resonant clacks, adding a distinct element to the typing experience.
Similarities can be drawn between the bottom housings of both switches as they both employ nylon. Nylon is a popular material for switch housings as it offers a softer plastic composition that aids in absorbing sound. The result is a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound and feel when pressing down on both the Cherry MX Brown and the TKC Tangerine switches.
While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. The nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Brown contributes to the rounder sound experienced when the key is released. On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing featured in the TKC Tangerine provides a brighter sound when a key is let go. This distinction showcases how the materials used for the top housing of the switches can affect the overall typing experience and sound produced.
In summary, the Cherry MX Brown and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinctive sound profiles. The MX Brown's nylon housing absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing offers a bright and resonant clack. When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon to provide a satisfying typing experience. However, the top housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound produced when releasing a key, with nylon creating a rounder sound and UHWMPE producing a brighter sound.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, one notable difference is the actuation force. The MX Brown requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact force required for the Tangerine is unknown. However, it is safe to say that the MX Brown is lighter in terms of actuation force. On the other hand, both switches have a medium level of force required for bottoming out, with the MX Brown at 55 grams and the Tangerine at 62 grams.
Weight is an important consideration when selecting a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the MX Brown's actuation force allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for users who need to type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during marathon gaming sessions. In contrast, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. For these users, the heavier bottom out force of the Tangerine switch at 62 grams may be more suitable.
In summary, the actuation force of the MX Brown is lighter, offering a gentler keystroke experience, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium level of force required for bottoming out. Therefore, users seeking a switch with a heavier feel can still achieve similar results with either the MX Brown or the Tangerine.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent and identical distance that the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the TKC Tangerine, you can expect a comfortable and responsive key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more subtle and subdued audio feedback. They have a lower frequency range, giving them a deeper and richer sound profile similar to bass tones. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches produce a high-pitched sound when pressed, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the MX Brown switches would suit your taste. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more distinctive sound, the Tangerine switches would be a better choice. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility. They have a textured or slightly scratchy feel when pressed, which some users prefer. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches offer an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience. They have a buttery and polished feel, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. The Tangerine switches are designed with UHWMPE housings, which are a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches and contribute to their smoothness. If you prefer a switch with noticeable friction and a textured feel, the MX Brown switches would be suitable. However, if you desire a switch that offers a fluid and frictionless typing experience, the Tangerine switches would be the better option.
Based on the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, providing a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They offer a typing experience with a relatively light feel and noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches are praised for taking the typing experience to the next level. They provide an incredibly smooth and effortless feel with a high-pitched sound when pressed. The Tangerine switches stand out for their UHWMPE housings and offer a buttery and polished typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these two switches, as some may prefer the subtle and textured feel of the MX Brown switches, while others may be drawn to the smooth and frictionless experience of the Tangerine switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a subtle and smooth typing feel, with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound profile during key presses, the MX Brown switches would be a good fit.
On the other hand, if you want to take your typing experience to the next level and enjoy an incredibly smooth feel with each keystroke, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches provide a pleasure-inducing typing sensation. The UHWMPE housings make them unique, offering a frictionless and buttery smooth key travel. However, it's worth noting that the Tangerine switches produce a high-pitched sound while typing, which may or may not be preferred based on your sound preferences.
Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Brown and TKC Tangerine switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. Consider the weight of the switches, the level of tactility or linearity desired, as well as the sound profile and friction level that best suit your typing style. By considering these factors and understanding the characteristics of each switch, you can make an informed decision on which one will enhance your typing pleasure.
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