TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Quinn. The Gold Silver switch is revered for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out with each keystroke and a harmonious sound signature. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a unique combination of light and crisp tactility along with a deep, resonant sound profile that adds character to typing. While the Gold Silver focuses on speed, sound, and fluidity, the Quinn switch emphasizes precision and a rich typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Quinn switches both have unique characteristics that impact the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Quinn switch utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both materials are known for their durability and transparency, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
On the bottom housing side, both the Gold Silver and Quinn switches use nylon material. This commonality means that typing on either switch will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is significant, emphasizing the importance of this material in determining the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing's role may be more subtle than the top housing in terms of sound production, its contribution is essential for creating a satisfying typing feel.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in switches like the Gold Silver and Quinn ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Polycarbonate offers a crisper and more resonant sound profile, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials have their own unique characteristics that contribute to the overall feel of the switch. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both the Gold Silver and Quinn switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch with a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. While the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, the Quinn has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gold Silver for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Quinn for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide different typing experiences, catering to users with varying preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the Gold Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Quinn's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for quicker responses. The 0.1 mm difference may not be significant for most users, as both options provide a similar overall experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the slight difference in travel distance and the feel of the switch when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound, giving users a rich and immersive typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Gold Silver focusing on a more neutral and low-pitched sound, while the Quinn provides a mix of bassy and clacky tones for a distinctive typing sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a responsive and elastic feel with a buttery-smooth typing sensation. Both switches offer a variety of tactile and smooth characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, with the Gold Silver focusing on a polished and subtle typing feel, while the Quinn provides a snappy and bouncy feedback for a lively typing experience.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The Gold Silver emphasizes rapid responsiveness with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, paired with a polished and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Quinn switch combines crisp tactility with a bassy and clacky sound profile, along with a snappy and buttery typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinctive qualities that can elevate the typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke, and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, the Gold Silver switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique combination of crisp tactility, a rich and immersive sound profile, and a variety of tactile feels like snappy, polished, bouncy, and buttery, then the Quinn switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so weigh your priorities and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
