Durock Sea Glass vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Durock Sea Glass and the TKC Tangerine, two remarkable linear mechanical keyboard switches that promise to elevate your typing experience. The Sea Glass, a product of Durock, boasts a captivating selection of five pastel colors that immediately catches the eye. Its proprietary material blend offers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, resulting in a typing experience that feels unlike any other. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making each keystroke effortless and easy to press. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch from TKC stands out with its incredibly smooth feel. The use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity in mechanical switches, contributes to the switch's buttery and polished feel. Typing on the Tangerines delivers a satisfying high-pitched clack, adding an extra element of delight to each stroke. However, while these general pointers give you an idea of the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the TKC Tangerine switches exhibit some similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the Sea Glass utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which offers a pleasant but slightly brighter sound profile. In comparison, the Tangerine switch features a UHWMPE top housing that also delivers a bright sound signature and resonant clacks during typing. Therefore, both switches provide a brighter sound experience, although the specific materials used differ slightly.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Sea Glass once again employs a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend. This combination also offers a pleasant sound profile, which is not overly sharp but still leans towards the brighter side. In contrast, the Tangerine switch incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which is a newer material for switch housings. This material choice also contributes to a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. Thus, while the materials used in the bottom housing differ between the two switches, they both result in a similar sound experience that is pleasant and bright.
As mentioned earlier, when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Therefore, the bottom housing has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more prominent role in determining the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction implies that the overall typing experience, in terms of sound and feel, can be influenced by the specific housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Sea Glass requires 45 grams, while the Tangerine's exact value is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
Weight plays a crucial role in the typing experience, as it can affect how long one can comfortably type without fatigue. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Sea Glass, as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing periods, ideal for scenarios like bringing your keyboard to work or indulging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For them, the Tangerine switch, with its potentially higher actuation force, might be a better choice.
Since both switches share the same bottom out force, regardless of their actuation force variances, the overall typing experience in terms of key travel and bottoming out should be similar between the two switches. However, keep in mind that the Tangerine's exact actuation force value is unknown, so it's difficult to determine how it directly compares with the Sea Glass in terms of force required for a keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sea Glass offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Sea Glass switch for its faster reaction speed. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. Some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass too abrupt and prefer a switch with a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one values speed or depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Durock Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches produce a fairly high-pitched clack when typing on them. While the Sea Glass sound is not explicitly described, it can be inferred that it may have a dryer, wispier, and airier sound due to its proprietary material blend. Meanwhile, the Tangerine switches have a smoother, more uniform sound experience. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Sea Glass and Tangerine switches share some common subjective qualities, such as being described as frictionless. This means that both switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, both switches are described as having a fluid travel, indicating a seamless keystroke experience.
The Sea Glass switches have additional descriptors of being mild and feathery. This suggests that they offer a gentle typing experience with qualities standing in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Sea Glass switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. They also offer easy-to-press activation, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and enhancing the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the Tangerine switches are also described as buttery and polished. These descriptors imply a smooth, fluid, and refined typing experience. The Tangerine switches offer a seamless and uniform keystroke sensation, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can be attributed to the UHWMPE housings used in the switches, which are considered a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches.
Based on the available information, the Durock Sea Glass and TKC Tangerine switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. However, both switches share the common characteristic of being described as frictionless and offering a fluid typing experience. The Sea Glass switches provide a dryer, wispier, and airier sound with their hollow sound signature, while the Tangerine switches produce a high-pitched clack. In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switches are described as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, while the Tangerine switches are described as buttery and polished. It's important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are drawn to a captivating selection of pastel colors and enjoy a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in your typing experience, then the Sea Glass switches might be the right choice for you. Despite their medium bottom-out force, these switches offer a weightlessness that defies expectations and a uniquely hollow sound signature.
On the other hand, if you value an incredibly smooth typing experience and enjoy a high-pitched clack, then the Tangerine switches would be a great option. With their UHWMPE housings and smooth feel, each keystroke becomes a pleasure. Additionally, the Tangerines provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation with their buttery and polished characteristics.
Ultimately, both switches offer a frictionless typing experience and come in at the same bottom-out force. Consider your personal preferences for colors, sound profiles, and key feel when making your decision. Whether you choose the Sea Glass or the Tangerine, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing experience.
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