TKC Tangerine vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion

Overview

The TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches. The Tangerine switch is known for its incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the UHWMPE housings which are a rarity in the world of bespoke switches. Typing on the Tangerines is a pleasure, with each keystroke gliding effortlessly. However, they do produce a fairly high-pitched clack. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches feature a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. These switches also offer a crisp and responsive feel, with a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their strengths and unique characteristics, making it important to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TKC Tangerine Linear

Wuque Studio WS Onion Linear

$6.30 per 10

$7.00

$5.53 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have different housing materials for both the top and bottom housing of the switches. The Tangerine uses UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, while the WS Onion features polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing.

In terms of sound signature, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing is described as offering bright and resonant clacks when typing. The WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing, on the other hand, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, contributing to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder materials.

When it comes to the tactile experience, the Tangerine and WS Onion differ due to their housing materials. Both the top and bottom housing of the Tangerine are made of UHWMPE, meaning that both the bottom-out sound and the sound upon key release will be influenced by the bright and resonant qualities of this material. The WS Onion, with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon, will provide a distinct feel. Pressing down on the WS Onion will showcase the impact and qualities of the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller tactile experience. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound.

While the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have different housing materials, there are some similarities in the results they offer. Both UHWMPE and polycarbonate contribute to a bright and resonant sound signature, albeit with slight differences in terms of pitch and clarity. Similarly, both nylon and UHWMPE create a fuller sound profile, although nylon absorbs more sound and thus provides a slightly duller and rounder sound. The use of different housing materials allows for variations in sound and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.

The actuation force of a switch is the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. Since the specific values are unknown, it is difficult to compare this aspect directly. However, it can be assumed that both the Tangerine and WS Onion switches have actuation forces that are similar or in the same range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to initiate a keystroke.

When considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. This lighter weight is beneficial for keyboards that are frequently used at work or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. These users would prefer switches with heavier actuation forces.

In conclusion, the Tangerine switch has an unavailable actuation force and a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while the WS Onion has an unavailable actuation force and a slightly heavier medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. While the actuation forces are unknown, it can be assumed that they are in a similar range. The difference lies in the bottom out force, with the WS Onion being slightly heavier. Users looking for a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Tangerine, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Onion.

Travel distance

Both the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. Therefore, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience when using either switch. The travel distance of 4 mm ensures that both switches provide a sufficient amount of key travel for comfortable typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is best described as having a high-pitched clack when typing on them. This produces a sharp and crisp sound that may be preferable for those who don't prefer rich and bassy sound profiles. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound with no particularly pronounced attributes. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, and for both home and work environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches provide a buttery smooth keystroke experience. This means that they offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. With both switches, you can expect a highly refined and enjoyable typing experience.

In conclusion, the TKC Tangerine and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of feel and sound. Both switches provide a buttery smooth keystroke experience and have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. However, the Tangerine has a slightly higher-pitched clack sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile. Overall, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect an enhanced typing experience with both options.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with minimal friction, both the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches would be excellent choices. The Tangerine switches are known for their incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the UHWMPE housings. They offer a pleasure to type with and have a fairly high-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches feature a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, which also provide a buttery smooth keystroke feel. They offer a crisp and responsive feel with a neutral sound profile.

When it comes to sound, the Tangerine switches produce a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, making them suitable if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound that should work well in most situations, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke experience. The Tangerine switches are described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with a fluid travel. Similarly, the WS Onion switches are also described as buttery and polished, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, when choosing between the TKC Tangerine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches, it will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Tangerine switches may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the WS Onion switches would be a great option. Regardless of your choice, both switches will enhance your typing experience and provide a satisfying feel.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Onion Linear

$7.00

$5.53 per 10

Learn more