TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the TKC Tangerine. The Silent Bluish Whites are tactile switches known for their medium tactile feel, offering a satisfying level of resistance for precise and comfortable typing. Additionally, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the Tangerines are linear switches that provide an incredibly smooth typing experience. Each keystroke feels like a pleasure, thanks in part to the rare UHWMPE housings. While typing on Tangerines, there is a fairly high-pitched clack. Both switches offer unique advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) Tactile

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White and the TKC Tangerine, we find that they differ in terms of the materials used. The Silent Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature and produces resonant clacks while typing.

Moving on to the bottom housing, we see a difference in materials again. The Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tangerine employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, which continues the bright sound signature found in the switch's top housing. This material contributes to the resonant clacks experienced while typing on the Tangerine switches.

Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Silent Bluish White and the Tangerine, it's important to note that their qualities complement each other and together contribute to the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing's impact is felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both the Silent Bluish White and the Tangerine provide unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that these switches offer different experiences to the users. The Silent Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch does not provide the exact value for its actuation force, but it can be assumed to be heavier than 42 grams as it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which gives it a medium weight.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation force allows for smoother and quicker typing, especially during long periods of use. It would be ideal for individuals who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions.

Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Tangerine switch. With a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a stronger push sensation, resulting in a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. This heavier force would suit those who desire a more pronounced feedback and a sense of stability while typing.

It is worth noting that if both switches had equal actuation forces or bottom out forces, similar results in typing experience could be achieved. However, in this case, the Silent Bluish White switch is lighter in both aspects, providing a lighter and more effortless typing experience overall. So, for users seeking a lighter switch, the Silent Bluish White would be the preferable option, whereas those desiring a heavier switch would find the Tangerine more suitable.

Travel distance

The TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tangerine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Bluish White switch. Generally, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0 mm distance is shallower. However, there is a growing preference for shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a better choice with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the hearty depth offered by the TKC Tangerine switch's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Silent Bluish White switches are best described as muted. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The goal of these switches is to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them a great choice for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches have a high-pitched sound when pressed. This produces a sharp and crisp sound that some users may prefer over the more rich and bassy sound profiles of other switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Silent Bluish White switches are often described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a gentle resistance, making them suitable for most users, as they fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Additionally, the sound signature of these switches is not resonant, which makes them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches are described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. They offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. These switches also have a sleek finish, resulting in a refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the Silent Bluish White and Tangerine switches have different characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Bluish White switches are quieter and offer a medium tactile feel, providing precise and comfortable typing. They are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches have a higher-pitched sound and offer a linear feel with an incredibly smooth typing experience. They stand out due to their UHWMPE housings, which contribute to their smoothness. While these switches have different qualities, both can provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, depending on individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a precise and comfortable typing experience with a medium level of resistance, the TTC Silent Bluish White is a great choice. These switches are known for their satisfying tactility and are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides an incredibly smooth feel and a pleasure to type with, the TKC Tangerine is the way to go. With their UHWMPE housings, these switches offer a unique typing experience that stands out from the crowd. Despite the difference in bottom out force, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Silent Bluish White provides a muted and quiet typing experience, while the Tangerine produces a high-pitched clack. In terms of feel, the Silent Bluish White offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience, while the Tangerine provides a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more