TKC Tangerine vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique typing experiences worth considering. The Tangerine, a linear switch, is praised for its incredibly smooth feel that elevates typing to a new level of satisfaction. The high-pitched clack adds a touch of character to each keystroke, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a frictionless and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile, a tactile switch, stands out for its smoothness paired with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, providing an easy-to-press key feel. While both switches offer distinct advantages, such as the Tangerine's polished feel and the WS Light Tactile's neutral sound signature, delving deeper into their individual characteristics will help you make an informed decision on which switch best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TKC Tangerine uses UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a very bright and resonant sound signature. This material offers a unique typing experience with its clear and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition.
Although both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each offer distinct sound characteristics. The Tangerine's UHWMPE housing provides a bright and resonant typing experience, while the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing delivers a clear and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing. These differences in material composition result in unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. Whether you prefer a bright and resonant typing experience with UHWMPE housing, or a sharper and clearer sound with polycarbonate, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound that some users may find more appealing compared to the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Tangerine switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams. The actuation force of the Tangerine is not specified, while the WS Light Tactile requires 45 grams. This means that the Tangerine switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the WS Light Tactile switch would offer a lighter feel for those who prefer it. The actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unknown, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of triggering a keystroke. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Light Tactile switch, while those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Tangerine switch.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences with both switches. Since both switches have the same travel distance, there is no difference in the length of key press between the two. Overall, both the TKC Tangerine and the WS Light Tactile switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 known for its high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a neutral sound signature, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various uses. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is characterized by its frictionless, buttery, and polished qualities, resulting in an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. On the contrary, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped feel, with a mild tactile bump and easy-to-press nature that requires minimal force to activate. These qualities contribute to reduced finger fatigue and an overall comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile along with a gentle tactile bump and easy actuation, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or tactile feedback in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, you'll want to choose the Tangerine if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. The Tangerine switches are perfect for those who enjoy a crisp sound and a buttery keystroke feel. On the other hand, opt for the WS Light Tactile if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile feel. The WS Light Tactile switches offer a snappy tactile bump and easy-to-press key presses, making them suitable for a wide range of typing preferences and environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
Mentioned in this article
