TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Quinn are two popular options to consider. The Gold Red is a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance. It provides a subtle and polished feel to your keyboard, with a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Quinn is a tactile switch that combines crisp and light switch-like tactility with a deep and resonant sound profile. Thanks to their specially designed nylon housings, these switches produce a rich and immersive sound, giving your typing experience a unique character. This switch delivers a precise and clean tactile bump for each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of the material used for the top housing. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn features a nylon top housing. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This makes the sound created by the Quinn switches duller and rounder compared to the Gold Red.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Quinn utilize nylon. This results in a similar sound profile for both switches in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Therefore, regardless of the brand, switches that use nylon for the bottom housing will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
It's worth noting that the choice of housing materials, whether polycarbonate or nylon, has a significant impact on the overall sound profile of a switch. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the Gold Red's top housing creates a crisper and sharper sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the softer nylon used in the Quinn's top housing produces a more rounded and duller sound upon key release. However, the bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both switches, delivers a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on a key. Therefore, while there are some differences in the sound produced, both the Gold Red and the Quinn will provide a satisfying typing experience in their own unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can observe some notable differences. The Gold Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Quinn switch requires a heavier force of 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Gold Red switch is 50 grams, whereas the Quinn switch requires a higher force of 67 grams for a full press.
The difference in weight between these two switches is worth considering depending on personal preferences and typing needs. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Red switch, as the lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for an effortless and smoother keystroke. This lightweight nature is particularly beneficial for individuals who often engage in long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions.
Alternatively, if someone desires a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Quinn switch may be the preferred choice. With a higher actuation and bottom out force, this switch offers a stronger push feel, making each keystroke more pronounced and satisfying. The increased resistance can be advantageous for users who prefer a more deliberate and deliberate typing style, as it provides a greater sense of control and feedback.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red switch and the Gateron Quinn switch provide different weight options to cater to individuals' varying needs and preferences. While the Gold Red switch offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Quinn switch delivers a medium-heavy tactile feel. By considering personal typing preferences and requirements, users can choose the switch that best suits their desired typing experience and maximizes their overall satisfaction.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have different travel distances. The Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This shorter distance is preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the Quinn would be the better option. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, then the Gold Red, with its longer travel distance, would be the suitable choice. In conclusion, while the Gold Red and Quinn differ in their travel distances, both switches provide unique benefits depending on individual preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the key is pressed and released, it produces a deep and satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock". The sound is bass-heavy and mellow, adding a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile. This means that each keystroke produces a deeper and richer sound, characterized by crisp, bright, and percussive tones. It offers an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a thocky, low-pitched sound or a bassy, clacky, and resonant sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a mild and silky typing experience. It offers a gentle typing feel with a light-medium level of resistance and a safe middle-ground zone. The switch is exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy and polished typing experience. It is super responsive with a lively feel, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Overall, both switches offer smooth and refined typing experiences, with the Gold Red being more mild and silky, and the Quinn being more snappy and bouncy.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a mild and silky typing feel. It offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Quinn provides a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound with a snappy and polished typing feel. It offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility. Both switches add character to the typing experience and can be chosen based on personal preference. If a similar sound or feel is desired, one can select the switch that aligns with the desired qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and light typing experience with a touch of personality, the TTC Gold Red linear switches would be a great choice. With their light-medium resistance and snappy sound profile, these switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience without being too ostentatious. They have a thocky and low-pitched sound, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound, the Gateron Quinn tactile switches would be the way to go. These switches provide a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump with a rich and immersive sound profile. The specially designed nylon housings contribute to the deep sound and the overall character of the typing experience. The Quinn switches have a bassy, clacky, and resonant sound, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a mild, silky, subtle, and polished experience. They provide a gentle typing feel with smooth key travel, thanks to their polished finish. These switches are approachable to most users and are suitable for shared spaces due to their subtle sound signature.
On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches offer a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel. These switches are super responsive and provide a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. They offer a seamless and effortless typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Quinn switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience with a touch of personality or a tactile feedback with a deep and resonant sound. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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