TTC Silent Red vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in search of a quiet and smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches are both excellent options to consider. The Silent Reds are known for their buttery feel and muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Tangerines offer an incredibly smooth keystroke, elevating your typing experience to the next level. Their unique UHWMPE housings add to their frictionless feel, but they do produce a fairly high-pitched clack when typing. While these generalities give you an idea of what each switch has to offer, let's delve deeper to help you make the best choice based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Silent Red and TKC Tangerine switches differ significantly. The Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Tangerine switch employs a UHWMPE top housing, a relatively newer material for switch housings. This material produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing.
Similarly, the housing materials for the bottom housings of the Silent Red and Tangerine switches differ. The Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Switches with nylon housing produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's overall sound signature. The UHWMPE material in the bottom housing gives the Tangerine switch a bright sound profile and resonant clacks when keys are pressed.
When comparing the function of the top and bottom housings of each switch, it becomes apparent that they play distinct roles in shaping the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing material has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down. In this case, the Silent Red with its nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tangerine with its UHWMPE bottom housing will deliver a bright and resonant experience. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when the key is released. The polycarbonate top housing in the Silent Red produces a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the UHWMPE top housing in the Tangerine contributes to its bright sound signature. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer unique auditory experiences based on the corresponding housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some notable differences. The TTC Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the TKC Tangerine is currently unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, the TTC Silent Red requires 63.5 grams, whereas the TKC Tangerine requires 62 grams. This means that the TTC Silent Red is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the TKC Tangerine switch.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer lighter switches like the TKC Tangerine as it allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the TTC Silent Red.
While the actuation force of the TKC Tangerine is unknown, both switches provide a similar medium level of bottom out force, with the TTC Silent Red being slightly heavier. Therefore, individuals looking for similar results and a medium typing experience can choose either switch, but those desiring a bit more heaviness may lean towards the TTC Silent Red linear switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Silent Red 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, which are preferred by gamers for their faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Red with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the Tangerine's slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and whether you prefer a shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 comparing the subjective sound qualities of the TTC Silent Red and the TKC Tangerine linear switches, it is clear that they offer different auditory experiences. The Silent Red switch is best known for its muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It is perfect for those who desire a more discreet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to the subjective feel of the switches, both the Silent Red and the Tangerine offer smooth and fluid keystroke experiences. The Silent Red switch is often described as buttery, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It also offers a mild experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Tangerine switch is frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It also provides a buttery and polished sensation, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and TKC Tangerine linear switches differ in terms of sound. The Silent Red offers a muted sound profile, making it a quieter option suitable for office or shared living spaces, while the Tangerine produces a high-pitched sound, appealing to those who prefer a sharper and crisper audio feedback. However, both switches share similar qualities in terms of feel. They offer smooth and fluid keystroke experiences, with the Silent Red being described as buttery, mild, and polished, while the Tangerine is frictionless, buttery, and polished. Overall, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise may be a concern. The Silent Red offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a comfortable typing experience. The switch has a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, and there is a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Overall, the Silent Red switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience.
On the other hand, if you want to take your typing experience to the next level, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With an incredibly smooth feel, each keystroke becomes a pleasure to type. The Tangerine switch has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, which provides a satisfying typing experience. What sets the Tangerine apart is its UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, which contributes to its smoothness. However, it is worth noting that the Tangerine switch produces a higher-pitched clack when typing. So, if you prefer a crisper and sharper sound profile, the Tangerine is the better choice.
In summary, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is perfect for those seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is ideal for users who prioritize smoothness and don't mind a higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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