Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TKC Tangerine. The Silent Ink Black is well-known for its quiet typing experience, making it an ideal choice for environments that require minimal noise. With a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch offers a smooth and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers an incredibly smooth feel that takes your typing experience to the next level. With its unique UHWMPE housings, which are rare in the world of mechanical switches, each keystroke becomes a pleasure. However, it is important to look beyond these generalities and dive deeper into the characteristics and features of each switch to determine the best fit for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and TKC Tangerine switch housings differ in material composition and the resulting sound profile. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This INK blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Tangerine switch employs UHWMPE material for both its top and bottom housing. This newer material offers a bright sound signature, creating resonant clacks when typing.
While the top and bottom housings of the two switches vary in material, they share similarities in sound profile. Both the Silent Ink Black's INK blend and the Tangerine's UHWMPE contribute to a clacky sound experience. However, the specific characteristics of each material create subtle nuances in the sound produced. The INK blend of the Silent Ink Black produces a slightly higher-pitched sound compared to the UHWMPE of the Tangerine, resulting in a gentle and satisfying clacky sound. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE material delivers a brighter and more resonant clack when typing.
When considering the feel of the switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The bottom housing material, whether it be the INK blend or UHWMPE, greatly affects the bottom-out sound and overall tactile feedback when pressing down on the switch. However, when it comes to the sound generated when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more influential. Therefore, the sound experienced while releasing a key will be influenced by the specific characteristics of the top housing material in each switch.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and TKC Tangerine switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend provides a satisfying and slightly higher-pitched clacky sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE material delivers a brighter and resonant clack. Although the materials differ, both switches share a similar clacky sound experience due to their respective housing materials. Overall, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, some similarities and differences arise. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unavailable, making a direct comparison difficult. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Ink Black requires 70 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than the Tangerine's 62 grams. This suggests that the Silent Ink Black creates a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it preferable for those who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter-weight keyboard, enabling them to type for longer periods of time comfortably. It is important to note that without the information on the actuation force of the Tangerine, it is difficult to make a conclusive comparison; however, it is likely to have similar actuation characteristics to the Silent Ink Black if the actuation force is within a similar range.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results and do not differ from each other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is best described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. The muted nature of these switches helps to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them a great choice for environments that require quieter typing. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Tangerine switch may not be the best fit for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. Silky switches are known for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of these switches further enhances the smoothness and refinement of the typing feel. The Tangerine switch, on the other hand, offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Frictionless switches provide an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Similar to the Silent Ink Black switch, the Tangerine switch also boasts a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a highly satisfying feel while typing, with slight nuances in their specific qualities.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and TKC Tangerine switches have their own unique subjective qualities. The Silent Ink Black switch excels in offering a muted sound profile and a cushion-like bottom-out feel. It is ideal for environments that require quieter typing and provides a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch stands out with its high-pitched sound profile and incredibly smooth feel. The UHWMPE housings contribute to the overall smoothness of this switch, making each keystroke a pleasure to type. While there are subtle differences in sound and feel, both switches deliver excellent performance and satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are in an environment that requires quieter typing, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be the ideal choice. It offers a pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for situations where you need to be discreet. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black has a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfying keystroke resistance.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With its incredibly smooth feel and the use of UHWMPE housings, each keystroke becomes a pleasure. The Tangerine switch also has a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, striking a good balance between resistance and ease of typing.
If sound is an important consideration for you, the Silent Ink Black is described as producing a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This can be particularly beneficial in noise-sensitive environments. In contrast, the Tangerine switch is known for its high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound. If you prefer a more distinct auditory feedback from your keyboard, the Tangerine switch would be a better choice.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switches, both options offer a polished and smooth typing experience. The Silent Ink Black is described as silky and polished, enhancing the smoothness of your typing feel and reducing friction. Similarly, the Tangerine switch is frictionless, buttery, and polished, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a smooth and pleasurable typing sensation, both switches have their own strengths. Consider the environment you'll be using the keyboard in, the level of sound you prefer, and the type of typing experience you value the most to make an informed decision. In the end, you can't go wrong with either option as they both offer exceptional qualities that will enhance your typing experience.
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