Outemu Silent Grey vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Grey and the TKC Tangerine. The Silent Grey switch is well-known for offering a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying yet silent keystroke. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is praised for its incredibly smooth feel and overall typing pleasure, enhanced by the unique UHWMPE housings. While the Silent Grey provides a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Tangerine offers a frictionless, buttery operation with a high-pitched clack sound. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific features will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the TKC Tangerine switches, it is evident that both switches have unique qualities that contribute to their sound profiles. The Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature. These differences in top housing materials result in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch. The Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing also contributes to its bright sound signature.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Silent Grey and Tangerine switches, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey creates a clear and resonant sound, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine produces resonant clacks that are distinct from the Silent Grey. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey provides a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the bright sound signature of the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine. These differences in housing materials result in varied typing experiences for users of each switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and TKC Tangerine switches play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate and nylon in the Silent Grey's housing creates a unique combination of sharpness and depth, while the Tangerine's utilization of UHWMPE in both top and bottom housings leads to a bright and resonant sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether looking for a sharper sound with the Silent Grey or a brighter clack with the Tangerine, users have the option to choose a switch that aligns with their auditory preferences based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Silent Grey requiring 65 grams and the Tangerine needing 62 grams. The Silent Grey switch offers a medium-heavy feel overall, while the Tangerine switch provides a medium feel. The weight of a switch is important to consider based on individual preferences, with lighter switches being favored for extended typing or gaming sessions, and heavier switches offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier actuation force is preferred.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is evident that they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels when pressed. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Silent Grey or the Tangerine, you can expect to receive consistent results in terms of travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a standard travel distance, making them both suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is known for being quiet and ideal for those who prefer a discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched clack with each keystroke, which may not be suitable for individuals who prefer a quieter typing environment. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience and the ambiance in which you use your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a tactile and smooth typing experience with a pronounced bump, offering a satisfying tactile feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, ensuring an effortless and smooth keystroke experience. The UHWMPE housings in the Tangerine switches contribute to their unique feel, making them stand out among linear switches in terms of smoothness and overall typing comfort.
When considering the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Silent Grey switch is likely the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched sound and a frictionless, buttery typing feel, the Tangerine switch might be more appealing. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so it is important to consider your preferences and typing style when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you value a silent typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Silent Grey would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound with a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Tangerine switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a smooth linear feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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