SP-Star Duck vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Duck and the TKC Tangerine. The Duck switch is well-known for its subtle tactile typing experience, offering a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', these switches provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a softer tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is a linear switch that takes typing to the next level. With an incredibly smooth feel and a pleasurable keystroke experience, these switches stand out due to their UHWMPE housings, which are rare in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. The Tangerine switches are categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', offering a unique high-pitched clack when typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the TKC Tangerine differ in their composition. The Duck's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Tangerine features UHWMPE top housing, providing a very bright sound signature and producing resonant clacks while typing. Despite these differences, both materials enhance the sound experience of the switches, albeit in distinct ways.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Duck and Tangerine also differ in material. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck contributes to its sharp and clear sound profile, owing to its stiffness. This material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a tactile feedback that is crisp and resonant. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material known for its pronounced brightness in sound. This material offers a satisfying impact when pressing down on the switch, resulting in a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. Although the materials differ, both bottom housings enhance the switch's sound and feel in their respective ways.
When it comes to the overall sound experience of the switches, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile response when pressing down a key, the top housing has more impact on the sound when a key is released. For the Duck, the polycarbonate top and bottom housings contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, reflecting the material's stiffness. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top and bottom housings create a bright sound signature characterized by resonant clacks. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer improved sound experiences, providing satisfying auditory feedback during typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is important to note that the actuation force is unavailable for both switches. However, the bottom out force of the Duck is 58 grams, which is considered medium, while the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, also classified as medium.
Weight is a significant factor to consider when choosing a switch as it can impact typing experience and comfort. Some individuals may prefer a lighter switch, as it allows them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. This lighter weight is beneficial for keyboards used during work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, choosing a switch with a heavier force would be more suitable.
In terms of actuation force, as it is unknown for both switches, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given that the bottom out forces are relatively similar with only a slight difference (Duck: 58 grams, Tangerine: 62 grams), it can be assumed that the actuation forces may also be similar or within a comparable range. Therefore, both switches are likely to deliver a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they provide a similar experience when it comes to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This distance is the measurement of how much you feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, both switches offer an equal tactile response and satisfying typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent feel while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is best described as having a clean and crispy sound profile. It falls into the neutral category, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing on them. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound. If you do not enjoy the richer and bassier sound profiles of certain switches, the higher-pitched Tangerine switch would be a good choice. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle tactility. It falls into the category of mild mechanical keyboard switches, providing a more approachable typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is known for its frictionless feel, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel. Similar to the Duck switch, the Tangerine switch is described as buttery and polished, ensuring a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and TKC Tangerine linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Duck switch provides a subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, while the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched clack sound and a frictionless, smooth feel. Both switches have buttery and polished characteristics, ensuring a seamless and polished typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and the feel of the keystrokes, you can choose between the more subtle and moderate Duck switch or the sharper and smoother Tangerine switch. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a more subtle tactile typing experience and a clean, crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switches are perfect for you. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a mild and buttery feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you want to take your typing experience to the next level and enjoy an incredibly smooth feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switches are the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a high-pitched clack sound profile and a frictionless, buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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