Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer an exceptional typing experience but cater to slightly different preferences. The Smoothie Silver is renowned for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound, smooth actuation, and feather-light touch perfect for lightning-fast typing. On the other hand, the Tangerine stands out for its UHWMPE housing, resulting in a remarkably smooth keystroke experience with a high-pitched clack that adds a unique touch to typing. While the Smoothie Silver excels in smoothness and quick actuation, the Tangerine impresses with its polished feel and distinctive sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TKC Tangerine both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound when typing. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, resulting in a bright and resonant clack when typing. While the POM top housing provides a more subdued sound, the UHWMPE top housing offers a more vibrant and lively typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Smoothie Silver and Tangerine continue to showcase their distinct characteristics. The Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing produces a pleasing and unique sound that complements the deep sound profile of the top housing. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing adds to the bright sound signature of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience with resonant clacks. These different bottom housings further differentiate the typing feel and sound of each switch, catering to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TKC Tangerine offer contrasting sound profiles, they both excel in providing an enjoyable typing experience. The POM and UHWMPE materials each bring their own unique qualities to the switches, whether it be a more muted and deep sound or a brighter and resonant clack. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing feel and sound, ensuring that users can enjoy a customized and satisfying typing experience with either option. Ultimately, whether you prefer the subdued sound of the Smoothie Silver or the vibrant sound of the Tangerine, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a light touch. However, the bottom out force is unknown, so it may lack the satisfying feeling of bottoming out for some users. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unknown, the heavier bottom out force suggests that it may require more force to trigger keystrokes compared to the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and key resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tangerine switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Tangerine is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more substantial key press experience. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Smoothie Silver provides a shorter key press, making it ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, like gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is best known for its thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is praised for its high-pitched clack sound, which may cater more to those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound profile. When it comes to the feel, the Smoothie Silver's specific description is unknown, while the Tangerine is characterized as frictionless, buttery, and polished. This means that the Tangerine offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, resulting in a seamless and refined typing sensation.
Overall, while the Smoothie Silver and Tangerine switches offer different sound profiles, the smoothness in typing experience is evident in both switches. If you enjoy a thocky sound and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched clack sound and a frictionless, buttery feel, the Tangerine switch may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in sound and typing feel. Either way, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a feather-light touch, lightning-fast actuation, and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth feel, high-pitched sound, and a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience, the Tangerine switch could be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that resonates with you the most.
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