TKC Tangerine vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the TKC Tangerine and the Jwick Taro. Both switches offer unique benefits and qualities that make them stand out from the crowd. The Tangerine is a linear switch that provides an incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings. Each keystroke feels frictionless and buttery, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience. However, it does produce a high-pitched clack sound when typing. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that offers a cozy and comfortable typing experience. It provides a medium-level of tactility, making each keystroke feel snappy. The clack sound it produces is acute and crisp. Both switches have their own charm and advantages, allowing you to personalize your typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TKC Tangerine and the Jwick Taro differ in their choice of materials for both the top and bottom housing. The Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, while the Taro opts for polycarbonate. UHWMPE creates a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing, while polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing provides a distinct sound experience, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Tangerine employs UHWMPE, while the Taro uses nylon. UHWMPE in the bottom housing of the Tangerine provides a bright and resonant sound when typing, while nylon in the Taro elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to UHWMPE. Thus, the Tangerine's bottom housing contributes to a bright sound experience, while the Taro's nylon bottom housing adds depth and richness to the sound produced.
When both the top and bottom housings are different in a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials can significantly influence the typing and auditory experience of a switch, with each material offering its unique characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, meaning that the specific force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Tangerine has a force of 62 grams which can be considered medium, while the Taro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight is an important factor for many users, especially in terms of typing comfort and duration. Those who prefer a lighter switch would benefit from the Tangerine, as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain or fatigue. This makes it ideal for keyboards used in professional settings or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel would find the heavier bottom out force of the Taro more suitable for their needs.
Overall, while the actuation forces of the TKC Tangerine and Jwick Taro switches are unavailable, their bottom out forces provide some insight into their overall characteristics. The Tangerine is lighter in terms of bottom out force with 62 grams, while the Taro is slightly heavier with 67 grams. Users looking for a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Tangerine more favorable, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Taro.
Travel distance
The TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have different travel distances. The Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Tangerine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Taro.
Generally, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.7 mm is slightly shorter. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you are looking for a switch that provides a more responsive typing experience, the Taro with its shorter travel distance might be a better choice for you.
However, it's important to note that some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or shallow. If you prefer a switch that offers a deeper and more satisfying key press, then the Tangerine with its longer travel distance may be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience you are seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 it comes to sound, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is known for its high-pitched clack. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more vibrant and treble-focused sound profile, the Tangerine switches are a great choice. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound is moderate and not too overpowering. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various settings such as at home or in a professional environment. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. With these switches, you can expect an incredibly smooth and effortless keystroke, as there is minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Tangerine switches provide a fluid and seamless typing sensation. Additionally, the Tangerine switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch also offers a buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke. However, these switches have a stepped tactile feel, which means that there is a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. This can give a different sensation compared to switches with a continuous bump throughout the keystroke.
Considering all the available information, the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Tangerine switch provides a high-pitched clack sound, while the Taro switch has a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery typing experience, but the Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, while the Taro switch has a stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences. If you prefer a smooth linear switch with a high-pitched sound, the Tangerine switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a neutral sound and a stepped tactile feel, the Taro switch would be a suitable choice. However, it's important to keep in mind that these descriptions are based on the provided information, and personal preferences may vary.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for an enhanced typing experience with smooth keystrokes and a high-pitched sound, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Tangerine switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a cozy typing experience and a neutral sound profile, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a snappy and moderately tactile feel with acute and crisp clacks. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Taro switches provide a slightly higher level of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Tangerine and Jwick Taro switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the desired sound and feel of your mechanical keyboard.
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