TKC Tangerine vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Tangerine is a linear switch known for its incredibly smooth feel, making every keystroke a pleasure to type. With its UHWMPE housings, this switch provides a frictionless and buttery typing experience. However, it also produces a fairly high-pitched clack sound when in use. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. It has a medium-light actuation force, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. Additionally, the WS Brown offers a delightful auditory experience with its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches have their own unique qualities and advantages, so it's important to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing the best switch for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches offer distinct differences in sound signature and typing experience. The Tangerine employs UHWMPE material for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relative softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the vibrant clacks of UHWMPE housing.
While both the Tangerine and the WS Brown share similarities in having a newer material for switch housings, they differ in the overall typing experience. The UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine offers resonant clacks upon releasing a key, providing audibly satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more immersive typing experience. These differing qualities in the top housing have a noticeable impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the materials of the Tangerine and the WS Brown showcase similar characteristics. Both the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine and the nylon bottom housing of the WS Brown contribute to the overall sound signature of the switch. While the bottom housing mainly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, their softer plastic composition enhances the sound by absorbing more resonance from the key presses. Thus, both switches provide a tactile typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in generating the sound and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches employ different housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound signatures and typing experiences. The Tangerine's UHWMPE housing offers bright and resonant clacks, while the WS Brown's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The top housing of each switch also influences the sound when releasing a key, with the Tangerine providing satisfying feedback and the WS Brown offering a more immersive typing experience. However, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound signature and tactile feedback, showcasing similarities in their relatively soft plastic composition.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find that the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls under the medium range. Unfortunately, the actuation force is not provided for the Tangerine switch. In contrast, the WS Brown switch has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Similarly, the actuation force for the WS Brown switch is also unavailable.
Considering weight, it is worth noting that the Tangerine switch may provide a slightly heavier typing experience with its higher bottom out force, which could be preferable for those seeking a more substantial feel while typing. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a lighter bottom out force, which may be more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern.
While the actuation forces for both switches remain unknown, it is difficult to compare them directly in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, based on the provided information, the bottom out force of the Tangerine switch is heavier than that of the WS Brown switch. Therefore, those looking for a lighter switch might find the WS Brown more suitable, while individuals who prefer a heavier and more solid typing experience might lean towards the Tangerine switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances, it is clear that the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Tangerine switch falls within the more traditional range of travel distances at 4 mm, while the WS Brown switch is slightly shallower at 3.8 mm. This may not seem like a significant difference, but for those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown switch may be more appealing. Gamers, for example, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and pronounced key press may find the Tangerine switch with its longer travel distance to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and needs, as both options offer unique advantages. Whether one is shorter or longer, both switches will provide a satisfactory typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50.
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 TKC Tangerine linear switch is best known for its high-pitched clack when typing. This produces a sharp and crisp sound that some may find pleasing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch remains unknown. 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 used. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Tangerine may be a better choice.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. This indicates an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch offers a fluid and uniform sensation, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience. The feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch remains unknown, but based on the description, it promises a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, suggesting a comfortable typing experience without specific details on smoothness or friction.
In conclusion, the TKC Tangerine linear switch stands out for its high-pitched sound and frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, there is limited information available on the sound and feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, it seems that the Tangerine may offer a similar smooth and pleasant typing experience as the WS Brown. It is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as board and keycap choice when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, each keystroke is a pleasure and you can expect a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Tangerine switch is known for its high-pitched sound, which may be preferable if you enjoy a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, if you value a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is a great choice. With its medium-light actuation force, you can enjoy fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. While we don't have specific information about the WS Brown's sound and feel, its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination suggests a delightful auditory experience and a comfortable typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel, so consider what aspects are most important to you in order to make the best decision.
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