TKC Tangerine vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch. The Tangerine switches are praised for their incredibly smooth feel, offering a frictionless and buttery typing experience. With UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, each keystroke becomes a pleasure. However, they do produce a fairly high-pitched clack when typing. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio are captivating and engaging. With a tactile bump and a satisfying resistance of 70g, every keystroke is imbued with a pronounced tactile experience. The nylon housings of these switches also contribute to a "thocky" resonance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches have their unique advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so that you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom parts. The Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile opts for nylon. The UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine delivers a bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This disparity in sound can be attributed to the difference in material hardness, where the UHWMPE is relatively harder than nylon.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials used in the Tangerine and WS Heavy Tactile switches showcase distinct characteristics. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine contributes to its bright sound signature and the resonant clacks experienced during typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Heavy Tactile enhances the switch's sound profile by absorbing more sound. This absorption of sound results in a duller and rounder sound experience.
When considering both top and bottom housings, the overall sound and feel of the switches will be influenced by the combination of materials used. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing primarily impacts the sound when releasing a key. The contrasting qualities of the UHWMPE and nylon housings will therefore create different typing experiences, with the Tangerine providing brighter, resonant clacks and the WS Heavy Tactile offering deeper, fuller tones. However, should the top and bottom housings be the same for a specific switch, users can expect similar results in the sound and feel of both the bottom-out and release actions.
Weight
When comparing and contrasting the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is important to note their differences. The actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unavailable, whereas the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is also unavailable. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of actuation force. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Tangerine switch will provide a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressed, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch will offer a lighter touch.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth mentioning that some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes it ideal for keyboards used in work environments or during long gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, a switch with a heavier bottom out force might be more suitable.
In conclusion, while the force required for actuation is unavailable for both switches, the Tangerine would provide a slightly heavier typing experience due to its 62-gram bottom out force. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a lighter touch with its bottom out force of 45 grams. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there is a clear difference. The Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional and deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This shorter travel distance appeals to gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile would be the better option. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes may find the longer travel distance of the Tangerine more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
The TKC Tangerine linear switch is best known for its incredibly smooth feel, making each keystroke a pleasure to type. This smoothness is due to the UHWMPE housings, which are a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. The sound produced by the Tangerine is described as high-pitched, giving it a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is renowned for its profound and pronounced tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke is imbued with satisfying resistance, creating an engaging and immersive typing experience. Furthermore, the WS Heavy Tactile switches present a familiar and captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings. These housings contribute to a "thocky" resonance, providing satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke.
In terms of sound, the Tangerine has a high-pitched sound profile, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. The Tangerine switch offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a sharper, snappier, and immersive auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Tangerine switch is known for its frictionless, buttery, and polished characteristics. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The WS Heavy Tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These qualities signify a switch that provides prominent tactility, a spring-like feedback sensation, and a reactive and immersive typing experience.
In conclusion, the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tangerine excels in its smoothness, high-pitched sound, and frictionless feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, clacky and resonant sound, and a variety of tactile sensations like accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. For those seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Tangerine switch is an excellent choice. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more tactile and engaging typing experience with a unique sound profile. Whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility, both switches offer their own distinctive qualities for an enhanced typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the TKC Tangerine would be a great choice. These switches are known for their incredibly smooth feel, providing a pleasurable typing experience. The UHWMPE housings add to their smoothness, which is a rare feature in custom mechanical switches. However, it's important to note that they do have a fairly high-pitched clack when typing on them.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is worth considering. These switches offer a profound and pronounced tactile bump, making each keystroke satisfyingly resistant and creating an immersive typing journey. The nylon housings contribute to a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a captivating sound profile.
So, when it comes to sound, the Tangerine has a high-pitched clack, while the WS Heavy Tactile produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound. In terms of feel, the Tangerine provides a frictionless, buttery, and polished experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch depends on your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a smooth and buttery linear switch with a medium bottom out force and don't mind a high-pitched clack, the Tangerine is a solid option. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light bottom out force that offers a pronounced tactile bump and a captivating sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile would be a great choice. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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