KTT Pine vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Pine and the TKC Tangerine, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for an elevated typing experience. The KTT Pine, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth key travel. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and provide effortless typing. Categorized as bassy, buttery, creamy, and low-pitched, the Pine switch is ideal for those seeking a satisfying and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine, also a linear switch, takes typing to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. The use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity in bespoke mechanical switches, enhances the tactile pleasure of each keystroke. Although the Tangerine switch produces a fairly high-pitched clack while typing, its frictionless, buttery, high-pitched, and polished characteristics make it a compelling choice for those seeking a unique and refined typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and the TKC Tangerine differ in their housing materials, with the Pine featuring polycarbonate top and bottom housings, while the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with this type of housing. Its translucency also makes it a great choice for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, UHWMPE is a newer material for switch housings that offers a very bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing.
When comparing the top housings of the Pine and the Tangerine, both polycarbonate and UHWMPE contribute to creating a distinctive sound profile for each switch. While polycarbonate's stiffness and translucency enhance the Pine's sound clarity and resonate with RGB lighting, UHWMPE in the Tangerine brings about a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. These differences in materials ultimately result in unique typing experiences and auditory feedback for users.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Pine and the Tangerine differ in material but still contribute to the overall sound characteristics of the switches when pressed. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Pine maintains the same qualities as its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the UHWMPE bottom housing in the Tangerine adds to its bright sound signature, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing is essential in determining the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Pine and Tangerine switches showcase differences in housing materials, with the Pine featuring polycarbonate top and bottom housings while the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for both. Despite these variations, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate housing in the Pine delivers a clear and resonant sound, especially complemented by RGB lighting, while the UHWMPE housing in the Tangerine creates a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Consequently, understanding the impact of different materials on the top and bottom housings helps users make informed choices based on their desired auditory feedback and typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Tangerine's bottom out force is slightly heavier at 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, such as the Pine, because it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes it a suitable choice for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions.
On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a stronger actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. This provides them with a tactile feedback that enhances their typing precision and accuracy. For these individuals, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Tangerine switch might be more suitable.
Although the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unknown, it is worth noting that a higher bottom out force can often indicate a higher actuation force as well. Therefore, it is likely that the Tangerine switch would require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Pine switch.
In summary, while the KTT Pine linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is slightly heavier. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when you press down on a key. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. These switches provide a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and crisp sound that some may find more appealing if they prefer a brighter tone. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Pine and Tangerine switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. This switch provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The Tangerine switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless and buttery. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a fluid travel, giving a satisfying feel to each keystroke. Additionally, both switches have either materials or factory lubing that contribute to their smoothness.
In conclusion, when comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, they both excel in providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. However, the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, while the Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched sound. The choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for sound. Regardless, both switches prioritize smoothness and fluidity, resulting in a comfortable typing sensation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer a medium bottom out force, making them suitable for most typists. If you value a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, the Pine switch is the better choice, as it is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Tangerine switch is a great option with its high-pitched characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Pine switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes. It provides a seamless and effortless sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Tangerine switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel. Additionally, the Tangerine switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Pine linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a bassy and low-pitched sound with a creamy and buttery feel, the Pine switch is the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a high-pitched sound with a frictionless and polished feel, the Tangerine switch is the better option. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will enhance your typing experience the most.
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