TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Quinn. The Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced nature, offering a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. The sound profile of these switches is rounded and softer compared to most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users are greeted with a rich and immersive sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. The Quinn switch also provides 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 perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold Brown and the Gateron Quinn switches provide distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While Polycarbonate is used for the top housing of the Gold Brown, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Quinn utilizes a Nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials have their advantages, with polycarbonate offering a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, and nylon absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder tone. However, if you are looking to use RGB lighting, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing is especially useful due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and the Quinn switches have nylon housings. This material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in typing, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound when pressing down on a key. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a satisfying tactile response.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Gold Brown and the Quinn switches, the qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom. This means that when releasing a key, the sound will be influenced more by the top housing material. On the other hand, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the overall sound and feel when pressing down on a key. So, while there are differences in housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with varying sound profiles depending on the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Gold Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Quinn has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams. This means that the Gold Brown may provide a slightly more sensitive and lighter feel when typing, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a more substantial push feel with its heavier actuation force, which can be preferred by those looking for a more robust typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams of force to fully press down, while the Quinn demands 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, indicating that they provide a decent amount of resistance before bottoming out. While the difference in bottom out force may not be significant, it can still be noticed by users who are more sensitive to tactile feedback.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch. If a lighter feel and responsiveness are desired, the Gold Brown may be the preferred choice. However, for those seeking a more substantial and robust typing experience, the Quinn with its slightly heavier forces can offer the desired tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Gold Brown's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a standard depth that many people are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Quinn's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Quinn may be the better option for you. However, for those who enjoy a deeper key press, the Gold Brown with its longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and individual typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown is best described as having a rounded, softer sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. It is a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, or using them at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn offers a deep and resonant sound profile during key presses. It has a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and immersive. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown provides a mild and buttery typing experience. It is a mild and smooth switch that offers a more gentle typing sensation. The feel of the switch is approachable to most as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. It is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Quinn offers a polished and snappy typing experience. It has a smooth and refined finish, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is also accented, which means it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, giving the keys a lively and elastic feedback.
Based on the available information, the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Quinn switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown has a balanced and rounded sound profile with a moderate weightiness, while the Quinn offers a deep and resonant sound profile. The Gold Brown provides a mild and buttery typing experience, while the Quinn offers a polished and snappy feel with a touch of bounciness and creaminess. Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. Choosing between them would depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate weight and a slight, satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice for you. It offers a softer sound profile and has a mild and approachable feel, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With its specially designed nylon housings, the Quinn switch provides a rich and immersive typing experience, characterized by a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump.
In terms of sound, the Gold Brown switch has a neutral profile, suitable for most purposes at home or work. In contrast, the Quinn switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild, buttery, accented, and polished typing experience, offering a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Quinn switch is snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and even creamy, giving you a more lively and elastic feedback sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for weight, bump intensity, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider the descriptions provided and choose the switch that aligns with your desired qualities. Both switches offer their own unique advantages and can enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
