TKC Tangerine vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TKC Tangerine and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique features and benefits worth considering. The TKC Tangerine is a linear switch that boasts an incredibly smooth feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, making each keystroke a pleasure to type. Known for its high-pitched clack, the Tangerine is described as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is a linear switch that focuses on revolutionizing silent typing with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, diving deeper into their specific characteristics and performance can help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The TKC Tangerine and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housings, providing a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. In comparison, the Zero Degree 0° features a polycarbonate top housing, delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials results in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
While the Tangerine and the Zero Degree 0° share similarities in their top housing materials, with both offering clear options that enhance RGB lighting effects, their bottom housing materials set them apart. The Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to its bright sound signature, while the Zero Degree 0°'s nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the TKC Tangerine and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° ultimately boils down to personal preference. If you prefer a bright and resonant sound signature, the UHWMPE housing of the Tangerine may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with a deeper and fuller feel, the polycarbonate and nylon housing combination of the Zero Degree 0° could be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, providing users with a customized typing experience based on their desired sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Tangerine switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Tangerine switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Zero Degree 0° switch is lighter in terms of actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Zero Degree 0° switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Tangerine switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and weight.
Travel distance
The TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Tangerine offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Zero Degree. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Tangerine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 conclusion, both the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Tangerine switch stands out for its high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on creating a silent typing experience with its innovative design that absorbs sound and reduces noise. When it comes to feel, the Tangerine switch is praised for its frictionless, buttery, and polished attributes, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. Although the qualities of the Zero Degree 0° switch in terms of feel are unknown, its dual-rail structure likely contributes to enhanced stability and a soft, elastic feel. Ultimately, depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in a mechanical switch, you can achieve similar results with either the Tangerine or Zero Degree 0° switch based on their respective strengths and features.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TKC Tangerine and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches, consider the key factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched clack sound with a smooth typing experience, the Tangerine switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, and are looking for a switch that offers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and noise reduction with a unique self-padding design, then the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch might be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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