Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Quinn. The Ink Red is a linear switch, known for its lower actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those with a lighter typing style. These switches offer a satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy, clacky sound profile, providing an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switches are tactile switches with a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Thanks to their specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke produces a rich and immersive sound, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. It provides users with a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. In contrast, the Quinn's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials create distinct sound profiles, the Ink Red's top housing offers a sharper and more clacky sound, while the Quinn's top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Ink Red and the Quinn also differ in their impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the pointed and high-pitched sound profile that the switch is known for. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Quinn enhances the switch's depth and creates a fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, the Ink Red's bottom housing emphasizes the sharp and clacky sound, while the Quinn's bottom housing enhances the switch's depth and fullness.
While the housing materials of the Ink Red and Quinn switches produce different sound profiles, both switches share similarities in how the top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall experience. In both switches, the qualities of the respective housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Thus, although the specific sound profiles may differ, users can expect similar results in terms of the split qualities provided by the top and bottom housing materials of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that they offer slightly different experiences. The Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a more comfortable option for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Quinn has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Despite the differences in force, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, ensuring that users will receive satisfactory results regardless of their preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's desire for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. These two switches have contrasting travel distances, with the Ink Red having a longer distance than the Quinn. The traditional travel distance for switches is typically 4 mm, making the Ink Red fall into this category. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a more shallow travel distance of 3.4 mm. Shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers, as they provide faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Quinn with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and if you prefer a deeper key press, the Ink Red would be the optimal choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a crispy and clacky sound profile. These switches have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. However, they also have a unique chirpy quality, giving them a distinctive acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users can expect a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The Quinn switches have a bassy and clacky sound, with a clean and sharp resonance. Overall, the Ink Red and Quinn switches offer different sound qualities, with the Ink Red being crispy and clacky, while the Quinn is deep and resonant.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch provides a silky and smooth typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance. With their mild characteristics, the Ink Red switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Ink Red switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy and polished typing experience. The Quinn switches are super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. They also have a bouncy and accented feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and prominent amount of tactility. Similar to the Ink Red, the Quinn switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Overall, the Ink Red and Quinn switches offer different tactile qualities, with the Ink Red being silky and mild, while the Quinn is snappy and bouncy.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Red switch is best suited for those with a lighter typing style, providing a satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With the Quinn switch, users can expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump along with a rich and immersive sound. While both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel, they differ in terms of feel and sound. However, if you are looking for similar results, the Ink Red linear switch can provide a comparable smooth and mild typing experience to the Quinn tactile switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. It is best suited for those with a lighter typing style and offers a satisfyingly smooth feel while typing. Additionally, the Ink Reds have a crisp and clacky sound profile, giving your typing experience an added level of satisfaction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and more immersive sound profile and a precise tactile bump, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be a better fit for you. The specially designed nylon housings of the Quinn switches contribute to their unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a resonant sound profile. Each keystroke on the Quinn switch will greet you with a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Ink Red offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Quinn switches provide a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, offering a variety of auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Red switch provides a silky and mild typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Quinn switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a range of tactile feedback sensations.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize a lighter actuation force and smooth typing experience or a deeper sound profile and precise tactile feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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