KTT Strawberry vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch, and the TKC Tangerine, also a linear switch. The Strawberry is best known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, it not only looks appealing but also offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine is touted as the switch that will elevate your typing experience to new heights. It boasts an incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the rare UHWMPE housings. While both switches are categorized as buttery and polished, the Tangerine is known for a slightly higher-pitched clack when typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is ideal for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 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 KTT Strawberry and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Strawberry 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 translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks while typing. While both top housings contribute to the typing experience and sound profile, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing brings a sharper and crisper sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a distinct bright sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Strawberry and the Tangerine switches have contrasting materials. The Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, similar to its top housing, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. Conversely, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing. While not explicitly described, it can be inferred that the UHWMPE bottom housing complements the UHWMPE top housing to maintain consistency in sound and feel. However, the specific qualities and contributions of the UHWMPE bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel are not explicitly stated. Therefore, while both switches have different bottom housing materials, further details are required to make a direct comparison.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the top housing has a more significant influence on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Strawberry and Tangerine switches, the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry and the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine contribute to the sound when a key is released. The Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound with resonant clacks. Conversely, the bottom housing materials, polycarbonate for the Strawberry and UHWMPE for the Tangerine, impact the bottom-out sound and feel. However, additional information about the qualities and characteristics of the UHWMPE bottom housing is needed to determine the specific contribution it makes to the typing experience in comparison to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is important to note that the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Strawberry, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is particularly suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a stronger push, which could be achieved with heavier options such as the Tangerine.
It is worth mentioning that while the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unknown, the fact that it shares the same bottom out force as the Strawberry suggests that similar results can be obtained in terms of the overall pressure required to fully press the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to individual preferences regarding the desired actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience when using either of these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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 KTT Strawberry linear switch is best described as having a low-pitched tone. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound profile, the KTT Strawberry would be a better choice, while if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the TKC Tangerine is the way to go. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the KTT Strawberry and TKC Tangerine switches offer a frictionless typing experience. This means that they provide an extremely smooth and effortless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches also offer a fluid travel, ensuring each keystroke feels seamless. Additionally, they are both described as buttery switches, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. This suggests that both switches provide a sleek and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the feel of both the KTT Strawberry and TKC Tangerine switches is similar, ensuring a satisfying typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Strawberry and TKC Tangerine linear switches have some subjective differences in sound. The KTT Strawberry offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the TKC Tangerine has a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. However, they share similar qualities in terms of feel, both providing a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect smooth and effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance or friction. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Strawberry and TKC Tangerine should be based on your personal preference for sound, as the feel of both switches will yield similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom-out force and a switch that offers a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, then the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be a great choice for you. It is best known for its attractive pink and clear housings and provides a low-pitched sound profile. With descriptors like frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, the Strawberry switch offers a fluid and polished typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and want to take your typing experience to the next level with an incredibly smooth feel, then the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be the ideal option for you. The Tangerine switch stands out with its rare UHWMPE housings and offers a high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Like the Strawberry switch, the Tangerine switch also provides a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience.
In the end, whether you choose the KTT Strawberry or the TKC Tangerine switches, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, so consider your preferences and needs when making your decision.
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