Bsun Olive vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Olive and TKC Tangerine offer unique experiences for users. The Olive switch is renowned for its tactile feedback, providing a crisp and sharp bottom-out with a resonant, deep sound that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch boasts a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched clack that adds a touch of polished elegance to each keystroke. While the Olive switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Tangerine switch is labeled as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers its own set of benefits and advantages, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive housing materials consist of POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deep and relatively muted sound profile. In comparison, the TKC Tangerine features UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housings, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. Despite both switches using different materials, they both aim to create a unique and pleasing sound experience for the user. However, the Olive leans towards a deeper and more subdued sound, while the Tangerine provides a more bright and resonant typing experience.
When looking at the individual qualities of the top and bottom housings, we see a distinct difference between the two. The Bsun Olive's POM bottom housing is responsible for impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to its deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing also plays a role in the overall sound experience by providing resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the top housing of each switch has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, with the Olive's POM top housing creating a pleasing sound and the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offering bright and resonant tones.
Overall, while the Bsun Olive and the TKC Tangerine have different housing materials that result in contrasting sound profiles, they both aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound with the Olive's POM housing or a more bright and resonant sound with the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel when typing on mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Olive has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tangerine, which is unknown. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Olive requiring 65 grams and the Tangerine 62 grams. This means that while the Olive may feel lighter to type on initially, both switches will provide a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Olive being more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, and the Tangerine for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel. Overall, both switches offer a medium level of force, making them versatile options for a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tangerine has the longer travel distance compared to the Olive. The Olive, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Tangerine, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a unique feel and experience, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 BSUN Olive tactile switch is known for delivering a resonant, deep sound with each keypress, setting them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound profile. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the rich and bassy sound of the Olive or the higher-pitched sound of the Tangerine.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Olive tactile switch offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keystroke. This combination creates a snappy and responsive feel, providing an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is known for its frictionless and buttery smooth feel, offering an incredibly smooth and seamless typing experience. The polished finish of the Tangerine switch also contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel, making for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, while the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the deep resonant sound and sharp tactile feedback of the Olive or the high-pitched clack and buttery smooth feel of the Tangerine, both switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience that each individual finds most appealing.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with an invigorating and sharp feel, the Bsun Olive switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a frictionless feel, the TKC Tangerine switches may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose based on what suits your typing style best.
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