TKC Tangerine vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Tangerine and the Outemu Yellow Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Tangerine switch is known for providing an incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, which are rare in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. Each keystroke on the Tangerine switch is a pleasure due to its frictionless and buttery feel. However, it does produce a fairly high-pitched clack while typing. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. It features a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for those seeking a quick and precise typing experience. However, to truly determine the best switch for you, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Tangerine and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches present notable differences in terms of their sound profiles. The Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Yellow Silver incorporates polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, contributes to a clear and resonant sound. While the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound, the Yellow Silver distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. With its relatively softer plastic composition, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing materials also plays a role. The Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing contributes to its bright sound signature, while the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver enhances its ability to showcase RGB lighting. Both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, enabling users to choose the one that best suits their visual preferences and lighting setups.
While there are distinct differences between the Tangerine and Yellow Silver housing materials, it is worth noting that both switches offer resonant clacks during typing. The UHWMPE material used in the Tangerine's top and bottom housings is similar to the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver in terms of sound signature, providing comparable results in terms of sound when key presses are released. Although the materials may differ, users can expect an enjoyable typing experience with vibrant sound profiles from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Tangerine switch has an actuation force that is currently unavailable in grams, while the Yellow Silver switch requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Tangerine switch has a weightier 62 grams, whereas the Yellow Silver switch is slightly lighter at 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yellow Silver switch would be more suitable as it has a lower actuation force and a lighter bottom out force. This allows for smoother keystrokes and may be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the Tangerine switch. With its higher bottom out force, it offers a stronger push feel, giving typists a satisfying resistance while pressing the keys.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the TKC Tangerine and Outemu Yellow Silver switches, both options fall within the medium to medium-light range. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can select either the lighter and smoother Yellow Silver switch or the heavier and more tactile Tangerine switch to achieve their desired results.
Travel distance
The TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches require the same amount of distance to be pressed down from the top to the bottom. Consequently, pressing down on a key with either of these switches will result in a similar feeling of travel distance. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 Tangerine switch is best known for its incredibly smooth feel, providing a pleasure to type with each keystroke. This smoothness can be attributed to its UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. When typing on Tangerine switches, there is a fairly high-pitched clack sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This makes it favorable for gamers and typists who prefer a speedy and responsive feel.
Based on the available information, the Tangerine switch has a high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. This means it offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with a fluid travel and a sleek finish. In comparison, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch.
In conclusion, the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tangerine switch has a high-pitched sound and provides a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound and potentially offers a different, yet unknown feel. If you are looking for a smooth and crisp typing experience, the Tangerine switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch could provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its incredibly smooth feel and UHWMPE housings, every keystroke will be a pleasure to type. You will also experience a high-pitched clack when typing on them, which some may find appealing. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or typist who prefers a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be more suitable for you. It offers a light actuation force and a moderate sound profile, making it favorable for those who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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