Outemu Cream Pink vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink and the TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both are linear switches offering a smooth typing experience. The Cream Pink is best known for its unique characteristics, and while the Tangerine is highly praised for its smooth feel and high-pitched clack when typing. The Tangerine is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a refined typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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 Outemu Cream Pink and TKC Tangerine both feature unique housing materials that play a significant role in their sound profiles. The Cream Pink utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches incorporate UHWMPE for their top and bottom housings, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. This newer material provides a different typing experience compared to nylon, showcasing a more vibrant sound.
While both the Cream Pink and Tangerine switches have distinct characteristics due to their housing materials, they also share some similarities. For instance, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing and the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing both contribute to the sound profile when a key is released. They each offer a unique sound experience that enhances the overall typing feel. Additionally, the Cream Pink's nylon bottom housing and the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This shared quality highlights how the choice of housing material can influence the overall typing experience in different ways.
Overall, the differences between the Outemu Cream Pink and TKC Tangerine housing materials provide users with a variety of sound profiles to choose from. The deeper and fuller sound profile of the Cream Pink with its nylon housing offers a more subdued typing experience, while the Tangerine switches with UHWMPE housings provide a brighter and more resonant sound. Whether you prefer a rounder sound with the Cream Pink or a more vibrant typing experience with the Tangerine, both switches showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch reveals some key differences. The Cream Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Tangerine has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. The Cream Pink is heavier in terms of actuation force, while the Tangerine is slightly lighter. Some typists may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Tangerine for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Cream Pink for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them both equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This distance is considered standard for linear switches, offering a balance between typing comfort and speed. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cream Pink or the Tangerine switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance that allows for smooth and efficient typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Pink comes in at $3.10, 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 Outemu Cream Pink switch does not have a well-known characteristic, while the TKC Tangerine switch is described as producing a high-pitched clack during typing. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience, as some users may prefer the sharp and crisp sound of the Tangerine switch over the unknown sound of the Cream Pink.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Pink switch does not have a specific reputation, while the TKC Tangerine switch is praised for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. This means that the Tangerine switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, resulting in a seamless and uniform sensation when pressing the keys. The UHWMPE housings likely play a significant role in delivering this exceptional typing feel, making the Tangerine switch stand out in terms of tactile experience.
Overall, the TKC Tangerine linear switch appears to excel in both sound and feel compared to the Outemu Cream Pink. With a high-pitched clack sound and a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, the Tangerine switch offers a premium typing experience that can elevate your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard setup. While the Cream Pink's qualities are not as well-defined, opting for the Tangerine switch would likely lead to a more enjoyable and smooth typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a quieter typing experience, the Cream Pink may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams and enjoy a high-pitched sound with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Tangerine could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and comfort.
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