TTC Speed Silver vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options you may come across are the TTC Speed Silver and the TKC Tangerine. The Speed Silver is ideal for those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. With its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance, these linear switches offer quick and effortless actuation. Additionally, the Speed Silver has a pristine sound profile, adding to its appeal. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches stand out with their incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the rare UHWMPE housings. Typing on these linear switches is a true pleasure, offering a buttery experience. However, it's worth diving deeper into each switch beyond these generalities to best decide which one is the perfect fit for you.

By the numbers

TTC Speed Silver Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

$6.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Speed Silver and the TKC Tangerine differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Speed Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typewriter-like sound. Additionally, the translucent properties of polycarbonate allow for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that creates a very bright sound signature. It produces resonant clacks when typing, offering a unique and lively typing experience.

Moving to the bottom housings, the Speed Silver employs a nylon material, commonly used in switch housings. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The duller and rounder sound produced can be preferred for those seeking a more muted and nuanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which contributes to its bright sound signature. When typing on switches with this material, users can expect resonant clacks that enhance the sense of tactility and feedback, adding an energetic touch to each keystroke.

While the top and bottom housings of both switches have distinguishing features, the impact they have on the typing experience differs. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, with the Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing, users can anticipate a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing the keys, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing delivers a bright and resonant impact. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. With the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver, users can expect a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine contributes to its distinctive resonant clacks when a key is lifted.

In summary, the TTC Speed Silver and the TKC Tangerine offer contrasting housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear, resonant sound with the added benefit of RGB lighting potential, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing produces a bright sound signature with lively clacks. The nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine creates a bright and resonant impact. Understanding the impact each housing has on the typing experience allows individuals to choose a switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is worth considering their actuation force and bottom out force. The Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light pressure needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Tangerine's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Speed Silver requires 55 grams, while the Tangerine requires 62 grams, both falling under the medium category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Speed Silver would be a suitable choice as its actuation force is relatively low. This can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue and allows for comfortable usage over time. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Tangerine switch, as its slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams provides a stronger push feel. This can offer a greater sense of control and tactile feedback during typing.

Although the actuation force for the Tangerine switch is unknown, it is likely to be in a similar range as the Speed Silver, as they both fall under the medium category for bottom out force. Hence, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with some favoring a lighter switch for extended usage and others preferring a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have different travel distances. The Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Tangerine switch has a more traditional travel distance, which is 4.0 mm, while the Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so if you prioritize responsiveness, the Speed Silver would be a good choice. However, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt, so if you prefer a deeper key press, the Tangerine switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level and is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you are using it at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing on it. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile over richer and bassier ones, then the Tangerine switch would be a good choice for you. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you use.

Moving on to feel, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild typing experience with a safe middle-ground zone. It provides a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid and effortless typing sensation. Similar to the Speed Silver switch, the Tangerine switch also has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, the TTC Speed Silver and TKC Tangerine switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Speed Silver switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience with a polished finish. It is a good option for those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a moderate sound level. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched clack and offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience with a polished finish. It is ideal for those seeking an incredibly smooth and pleasurable typing sensation. However, if you prefer a similar sound and feel, you can expect to achieve comparable results with both switches due to their polished finishes and smooth key travel.

Conclusion

In closing, if you value a fast and precise typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. These switches have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth typing experience with a high-pitched clack and UHWMPE housings, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would take your typing experience to the next level. Overall, the Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The Tangerine switch, on the other hand, produces a high-pitched sound and offers a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for typing speed, sound profile, and tactile feel. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more