TTC Silent Brown vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Brown and the TKC Tangerine. The Silent Brown switch is best known for its comfortable typing experience and light-medium resistance, providing a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets it apart is its muted sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch stands out with its incredibly smooth feel, taking typing to the next level. Thanks to the UHWMPE housings, which are rare in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, each keystroke becomes a pleasure. However, it's important to delve deeper beyond these generalities in order to determine which switch is the best fit for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Brown and TKC Tangerine differ in terms of their housing materials, which greatly affect the sound and feel of the switches. The Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine produces a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. Although both materials enhance the sound profile, their characteristics give distinct results.
In terms of bottom housing, the Silent Brown incorporates a nylon material, while the Tangerine employs a UHWMPE bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition, which absorbs and dulls the sound. On the other hand, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine brings a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when pressing the switches. These materials have different properties that directly impact the switch's sound, providing a contrasting experience to users.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is important to note that the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing will provide a more subdued and rounded sound, as it absorbs more sound due to its softer composition. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing will deliver a bright and resonant bottom-out sound. On the other hand, both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, which ensures a clearer and more resonant sound profile when releasing keys.
Overall, the TTC Silent Brown and TKC Tangerine switches offer different housing materials that significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing enhances its clarity and sharpness, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing brings a bright and resonant sound signature. Furthermore, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine offers a bright and resonant bottom-out sound. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly. The TTC Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a moderate resistance to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the TKC Tangerine is unavailable, making it difficult to ascertain. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Silent Brown requires 63.5 grams of force for a full press, offering a medium-heavy typing experience. Conversely, the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a slightly lighter touch. Therefore, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Tangerine, while individuals desiring a more substantial feel may lean towards the Silent Brown.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Tangerine switch being on the more common side at 4 mm. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may lean towards the Silent Brown with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key may prefer the TKC Tangerine switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a high-pitched sound. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which some users may prefer if they don't like the more rich and bassy sound profiles of certain keyboard switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Brown would be the better choice, while the Tangerine offers a more high-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, both the Silent Brown and Tangerine switches share some similarities. They are both described as "buttery," which means they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This results in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are described as "polished," indicating that they have a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Tangerine switch is also described as "frictionless," offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience by minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Therefore, while there may be subtle differences in their tactile feedback, both switches provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Silent Brown is best known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. It also offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched sound and an incredibly smooth feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings. It provides a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, go for the Silent Brown; if you prefer a more high-pitched sound and an extremely smooth feel, go for the Tangerine. However, it's important to consider other factors such as keycaps and the keyboard itself, as they can also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value an incredibly smooth feel with each keystroke being a pleasure to type, and don't mind a higher-pitched clack sound, then the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be the ideal option. Overall, when it comes to sound, the Silent Brown offers a muted and softer sound, while the Tangerine produces a high-pitched and sharp sound. In terms of feel, the Silent Brown is described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Tangerine is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing sensation. Consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel to make the best decision between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard.
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