TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Quinn

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red, a linear switch, and the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch. On one hand, the Flame Red stands out with its visually impressive light diffuser, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. In terms of typing experience, the Flame Reds provide a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying feel while typing. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The specially designed nylon housings of the Quinn switches contribute to this distinctive sound and add a touch of character to the typing experience. With each keystroke, users can expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Quinn switches utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic is attributed to the relatively softer nature of nylon in comparison to harder plastics. As a result, both the Flame Red and the Quinn switches produce a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Although both switches employ nylon for their top housing, there may be some slight differences in sound and feel due to variations in manufacturing or design. The top housing of a switch primarily affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, any subtle discrepancies in the shape or composition of the nylon housing could potentially result in slightly different sound profiles when typing on the Flame Red versus the Quinn switch.

Similarly, the bottom housing of a switch, which is also made from nylon in both the Flame Red and the Quinn, plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is likely to be similar. The relatively softer nature of nylon ensures a pleasant tactile experience with each keypress.

In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Quinn switches provide comparable performance when it comes to housing materials. By utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, these switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. While there may be subtle differences in sound and feel due to manufacturing discrepancies, the overall experience of typing on either switch will be quite similar. Whether it is the Flame Red or the Quinn, users can expect a high-quality typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, thanks to the nylon housing material.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Quinn requires a stronger push with its actuation force of 59 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flame Red is lighter at 54 grams compared to the Quinn's heavier bottom out force of 67 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for a smoother and more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a greater sense of key press confirmation for users who prefer a stronger push feel.

Overall, the Flame Red switch leans towards the medium-light side of the force spectrum, while the Quinn switch falls into the medium-heavy category. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer reliable performance and deliver accurate keystrokes, albeit with different levels of force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that the Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches offer a significant amount of depth for users to feel when pressing down on a key, the Flame Red falls into the more traditional category with its 4 mm travel distance. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a slightly shallower experience with its 3.4 mm travel distance. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers, due to their ability to provide faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, opting for the Quinn with its shorter travel distance may be preferable. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial depth to their key presses, the Flame Red's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both options offer their own unique feel, allowing users to achieve similar results despite the difference in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Flame Red linear switch is known for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. When typing on these switches, users will experience a satisfying and solid feel, accompanied by a distinct clack sound. In terms of visuals, the Flame Reds are especially popular for their dazzling light diffuser, making them an excellent choice for backlit, RGB keyboards.

On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Thanks to their specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke with the Quinn switches produces a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. Users can also expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump when typing with these switches.

When it comes to sound, the Flame Red is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it falls in the moderate range, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, and for various settings such as home or work. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile. These switches provide a deeper, richer, and more immersive auditory experience, with clean and sharp sound characteristics.

In terms of feel, the Flame Red is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic indicates a more gentle typing feel, suitable for most users, while the polished aspect brings a sleek and refined finish, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Similarly, the Quinn switches also provide a polished feel, along with additional descriptors like snappy, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. These descriptors highlight the responsive, spring-like, and elastic feedback sensation, as well as the smooth, effortless, and uniform typing experience these switches offer.

In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red is best known for its weighty smoothness, clacky sound profile, and dazzling light diffuser, while the Quinn offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility, deep resonant sound, and specially designed nylon housings. Both switches provide satisfying typing experiences, with the Flame Red falling in the neutral range for sound and offering a mild and polished feel, and the Quinn switches delivering a range of characteristics like bassy sound, snappy feel, and creamy typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose the switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize visuals and a smooth, clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards due to their dazzling light diffuser. When typing on the Flame Reds, you can expect a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a unique combination of crisp, light tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the way to go. With each keystroke, the Quinn switches provide a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound. The specially designed nylon housings contribute to the resonant and bassy sound characteristics. Overall, you should consider your preference for visuals and sound when choosing between the Flame Red and the Quinn switches.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more