Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TKC Tangerine are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for an enhanced typing experience. The Semi-Silent Linear is renowned for its innovation, as it provides a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, striking a balance between being polished and retaining some texture. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch stands out with its incredibly smooth feel, making each keystroke a pleasurable sensation. This can be attributed to the UHWMPE housings, a rare feature in bespoke mechanical switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
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 housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TKC Tangerine keyboards have distinct differences in terms of sound and feel. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Tangerine keyboard utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the polycarbonate top housing provides a more defined sound while the UHWMPE top housing delivers a brighter and more pronounced auditory response.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Semi-Silent Linear employs a nylon material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Tangerine keyboard incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear produces a deeper and more muffled sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine keyboard contributes to a vibrant and distinct auditory experience.
If we compare the overall sounds and feels of the two keyboards, we can see that the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a balance between a crisper sound during key release and a deeper sound during key press. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine keyboard, with its UHWMPE top and bottom housings, offers a brighter and more resonant sound throughout typing. While they have some differences, both keyboards aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience with unique auditory profiles. So, if you are looking to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, both keyboards can meet your needs depending on the specific qualities you prefer.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is important to note that the actual force values for both switches are unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
Now, let's consider the weight aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be a suitable choice. Its lighter weight allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work or marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience might lean towards the TKC Tangerine switch. With a potentially heavier actuation force, it provides a stronger push feel, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing.
While the specific actuation force for both switches is unknown, the fact that they share the same 62-gram bottom out force suggests that users can expect similar results in terms of the amount of pressure required to fully depress the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TKC Tangerine switches will depend on individual preferences for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TKC Tangerine linear switches have slightly different travel distances. The Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm in the Semi-Silent Linear as it allows for faster response times. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel to their keystrokes, the Tangerine with its 4 mm travel distance may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter or longer travel distance for their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued experience. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, making it more subtle compared to most switches. While it is not completely silent, it maintains a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch provides a high-pitched clack when typing. It produces a sharp and crisp sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subdued sound, while the Tangerine delivers a high-pitched clack.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. Its mild characteristic provides a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it features snappy responsiveness, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, which makes the typing experience feel more alive. The switch also offers a buttery and polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch provides a frictionless typing experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless feel. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel. It also offers a buttery and polished feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience, with the Semi-Silent Linear leaning towards a mild and snappy feel, while the Tangerine focuses on a frictionless experience.
In conclusion, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the TKC Tangerine switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi-Silent Linear provides a subdued sound with a clacky bottom-out, while the Tangerine produces a high-pitched clack. In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a mild and snappy experience, while the Tangerine provides a frictionless feel. Both switches offer a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as the sound and feel can greatly impact the overall typing experience. However, if you prefer a subdued sound and a mild and snappy feel, the Semi-Silent Linear would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a high-pitched clack and a frictionless feel, the Tangerine would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a subtle sound signature, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be a great choice for you. This switch offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, making it perfect for those who prefer a more subdued switch. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a mild and snappy typing experience, offering a safe middle-ground zone of sound and feel.
On the other hand, if you want a medium bottom out force with an incredibly smooth feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is a fantastic option. These switches are known for taking your typing experience to the next level, providing a pleasure to type with each keystroke. The Tangerines have a high-pitched clack when typing on them, which adds a unique sound profile to your typing experience. They offer a frictionless and buttery feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TKC Tangerine linear switch will depend on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a more subdued sound and a gentler typing experience, go for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. However, if you value an incredibly smooth feel and a higher-pitched clack, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go.
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