Gateron Ink Red vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Gateron Ink Red and the TKC Tangerine, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Red is renowned for its lower actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those with a lighter typing style. Typing on the Ink Reds feels effortlessly smooth and satisfyingly clacky, accompanied by a crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers an unparalleled typing experience with its incredibly smooth feel, elevating each keystroke to a pleasurable sensation. One of its standout features is the UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, contributing to its frictionless and buttery feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and the TKC Tangerine both have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which is known for its satisfying, thin, and higher-pitched clacky sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE material for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing.

While both switches have different housing materials, they have a similar higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. The Ink Red's INK blend top housing and the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing both contribute to this characteristic sound when the key is released. The top housing is responsible for the sound produced when you let go of a key, and both switches exhibit a relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp sound in this regard.

However, the bottom housing materials of the Ink Red and the Tangerine differ. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, along with the top housing, contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing brings its own unique qualities to the switch. It has a more impactful influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key, resulting in a distinct experience when pressing down on the switch.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and the TKC Tangerine exhibit differences in their housing materials, where the Ink Red has a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Tangerine uses UHWMPE for both. However, they share similarities in their higher-pitched and clacky sound profiles when a key is released. The Ink Red's bottom housing complements the top housing, while the Tangerine's bottom housing adds its own unique impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Ink Red is 45 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Ink Red at 60 grams and the Tangerine at 62 grams.

Considering weight, some users prefer a lighter switch like the Ink Red, as it enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This makes it ideal for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. For such users, the Tangerine switch, with its slightly heavier bottom out force, may be a better fit.

Although the actuation force for the Tangerine switch is unknown, its medium bottom out force suggests that it may provide a similar typing experience to the Ink Red. Both switches fall into the medium range, ensuring a satisfying responsiveness without being too light or too heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Red or the TKC Tangerine, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels when pressed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience. It has a crispy and clacky sound profile, which can be described as neutral with a bit of a chirpy sound. This switch is perfect for those with a lighter typing style, as it has a lower actuation force requirement. The Ink Reds offer a moderate sound profile and a smooth typing feel, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is designed to enhance the typing experience with its incredibly smooth feel. Each keystroke on the Tangerine switch is a pleasure, thanks to the UHWMPE housings, which are a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. However, it is worth noting that the Tangerine switch has a fairly high-pitched clack sound when typing on them. If you prefer switches with a crisp and sharp sound profile, the Tangerine switch would be a good choice.

In summary, both the Gateron Ink Red and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer smooth typing experiences. The Ink Red is known for its satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing feel, with a neutral sound profile and a bit of a chirpy sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch takes the typing experience to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel and unique UHWMPE housings. It has a high-pitched clack sound, making it suitable for those who prefer switches with a sharper sound profile. Overall, both switches provide smoothness and a refined typing experience, although the sound profiles may differ. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience, with a crispy and clacky sound profile. The Ink Red is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Ink Red is known for its silky and polished typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and reducing friction. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth feel and a high-pitched sound profile, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be perfect for you. The Tangerine offers a pleasure to type experience with its UHWMPE housings and high-pitched clack. It is described as having a frictionless and buttery feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the TKC Tangerine depends on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more