TKC Tangerine vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TKC Tangerine and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two exceptional linear options that offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The TKC Tangerine boasts an incredibly smooth feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, allowing for a frictionless and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a creamy and smooth feel reminiscent of its namesake dessert. Both switches deliver a high-pitched sound signature, but the Tangerine is described as more polished while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a marbly and resonant quality. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Tangerine and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine provides a bright and resonant clack when typing, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both materials add a distinct auditory experience to the typing process, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound response from their switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine switch offers a bright sound signature that complements the top housing material. Meanwhile, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream provides smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, making it one of the smoothest and most durable materials available for switch housings. The POK material contributes to the overall feel and longevity of the switch, ensuring a consistent typing experience with added durability.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Tangerine and Vanilla Ice Cream switches differ in their characteristics, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing materials. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a more nuanced sound and feel when typing on these switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a variety of qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel, providing users with an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, classified as medium, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. The actuation force of the Tangerine is None, meaning it is unknown, whereas the actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream is 43 grams. The Tangerine offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Tangerine has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm. A 0.5 mm difference may not seem substantial, but it can impact the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Tangerine may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the key. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Tangerine being slightly longer than the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
In terms of sound, both the TKC Tangerine and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are described as high-pitched, delivering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. However, the Tangerine is said to have a fairly high-pitched clack when typing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is also described as marbly and resonant, providing a clean, sharp, and resonant sound profile. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced by the switches.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid travel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is also characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The creamy feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be attributed to factory lubing or specific materials used in its construction.
Overall, both the TKC Tangerine and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer a premium typing experience with their smooth and high-quality construction. While both switches exhibit a high-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine may provide a slightly different sound due to its unique UHWMPE housings, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a creamy feel that enhances the typing sensation. Choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both options are designed to elevate your typing experience to the next level.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile, the TKC Tangerine would be the ideal choice for you. Its smooth feel, high-pitched clack, and frictionless keystrokes make it a great option for those who prioritize typing comfort and acoustics. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a mix of high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profiles, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would suit your preferences better. With its creamy and buttery typing experience, this switch offers a unique feel and sound that sets it apart from the rest. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize medium or light bottom out force, specific sound profiles, and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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