TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to introduce two remarkable mechanical keyboard switches for those seeking the ultimate typing experience: the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Quinn. While both switches fall under the tactile category, they each bring their unique characteristics to the table. The Bluish White switch is known for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience, offering a snappy sound profile and a buttery, mild tactility. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out with its crisp, light switch-like tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. With every keystroke, users can expect a precise and clean tactile bump accompanied by a rich and immersive sound that adds a touch of character to their typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Quinn switches differ in their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic also resonates more clearly, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Quinn switch utilizes a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Bluish White and the Quinn switches differ. The Bluish White has a nylon bottom housing, which, like its top housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorptive properties of the softer nylon plastic. In contrast, the Quinn also employs a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar sound profile by absorbing sound effectively. Both switches benefit from the classic switch housing material.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch experience, it becomes clear that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing of each switch will be felt when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, both the Bluish White and the Quinn switches offer distinct experiences based on the composition and placement of their housing materials, resulting in a variety of sound profiles and tactile feedback options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bluish White has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the Quinn has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, providing a slightly heavier push feel during typing. The bottom out force of the Bluish White is 50 grams, while the Quinn has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Quinn requires more force compared to the Bluish White.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Bluish White would be a suitable choice. This switch allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke may find the Gateron Quinn more satisfying. The higher actuation and bottom out forces of the Quinn provide a stronger push feel, offering a tactile typing experience that some users prefer.
Although they have different actuation and bottom out forces, both switches can yield similar results depending on personal preference. If the desired force is closer to the lighter end of the spectrum, the TTC Bluish White would be the more suitable option. Likewise, if a heavier force is preferred, the Gateron Quinn provides a medium-heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and the desired feel while using the keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we see that the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Quinn switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Bluish White switch, with its slightly longer travel distance, may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed, resulting in a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provides a bassy, clacky, and resonant sound profile. This switch offers a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive due to its clacky nature. Furthermore, the Quinn switch also offers a more immersive auditory experience with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, while the Bluish White and Quinn switches offer different sound profiles, they both provide a unique and character-filled typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is characterized as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They offer a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and can feel like they have two stages of tactile feedback. The switches also have a sleek finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel. These switches are super responsive, providing a more alive typing experience. They also have a smooth and refined finish, similar to the Bluish White, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the keys have a lively feel, providing rebound when pressed. The Quinn switch falls into the category of medium tactility, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Furthermore, the creamy feel of the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In conclusion, while there are variations in the tactile feel between the Bluish White and Quinn switches, both offer a satisfying and refined typing experience.
Taking all of the available information into account, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White provides a low-pitched sound profile, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, it offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished experience, providing smooth and fluid keystrokes with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a bassy, clacky, and resonant sound profile. Its feel is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a super responsive and lively typing experience. While the switches differ in sound and feel, both provide unique and satisfying typing experiences, tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a snappy sound profile and a smooth and effortless typing sensation. With their low-pitched sound profile, they provide a mellow and bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and resonant sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the better choice. These switches provide a crisp and clean tactile bump and a rich and immersive sound with accents of bass tones. The Quinn switches also offer a polished and smooth typing experience, making them responsive and bouncy. Ultimately, the decision between the Bluish White and the Quinn switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel.
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