KTT Kang White vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Quinn. The Kang White is a linear switch with a reputation for its poppy sound and unparalleled smoothness, thanks to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, the Quinn is a tactile switch known for its crisp, light tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, achieved through specially designed nylon housings. Both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 KTT Kang White and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Kang White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Quinn employs a nylon top housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Kang White and Quinn utilize nylon, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. However, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released.
While the Kang White and Quinn differ in terms of their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Kang White creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Quinn produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, it is important to mention that the nylon bottom housings of both switches share common characteristics in terms of creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a deeper sound profile, both the Kang White and Quinn can provide similar results due to their nylon bottom housing material. Additionally, both switches are compatible with RGB lighting due to their translucent polycarbonate and clear nylon top housing, respectively.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in their weight. The Kang White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the Quinn switch requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kang White switch would be more suitable as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals using their keyboards extensively at work or during lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, those who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may favor the Gateron Quinn switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
It is worth noting that both switches provide a comparable typing experience within their respective weight categories. If a user is searching for a medium-weight switch, they can expect similar results from either the Kang White or Quinn switch. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In this case, the KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to this variation.
The Kang White with its 4 mm travel distance is more aligned with the traditional standard, offering a deeper keystroke. This can provide a sense of depth and a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a greater level of tactility. On the other hand, the Quinn's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance offers a shallower keystroke, making it suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key actuation and can enhance overall typing speed and accuracy.
It's worth noting that the preference for travel distance is subjective and varies from person to person. Some may find the abruptness of shorter travel distances to be uncomfortable or unsatisfying, while others may appreciate the crispness and responsiveness it offers. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
If you are looking for a similar result to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch but prefer the Kang White linear switch, you can consider adjusting the actuation point or using different keycaps to customize the feel. This way, you can achieve a similar shallow travel distance without sacrificing the tactile feedback of the Kang White switch.
In summary, the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Kang White offering a deeper keystroke at 4 mm and the Quinn providing a shallower 3.4 mm travel distance. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, whether it be a greater sense of depth or a faster response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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
The KTT Kang White linear switch is best known for its dazzling sound when typing. It has a low-pitched sound profile, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The self-lubricating material used in the Kang White switch provides unparalleled smoothness during typing, enhancing the overall typing experience.
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. The sound produced by the Quinn switch can be described as clacky, crisp, bright, and percussive. It has a low-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Typing on the Quinn switch provides a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, adding a touch of character to the typing experience.
Based on the provided information, it can be concluded that both switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kang White linear switch provides a dazzling and low-pitched sound, along with unmatched smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deep, resonant, and bass-rich sound profile, accompanied by a crisp and precise tactile bump. While the Kang White switch is described as neutral in terms of sound, the Quinn switch offers a more clacky and resonant auditory experience.
It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the provided descriptions, it can be expected that the Kang White and Quinn switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel, respectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a dazzling and smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Kang White linear switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a poppy linear switch with unparalleled smoothness and a moderate sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a deep, resonant sound profile and a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the way to go. With its unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and specially designed nylon housings, the Quinn provides a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience. Additionally, the Quinn offers a variety of feels, from snappy and polished to bouncy and creamy, ensuring a personalized and satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel, so choose accordingly and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience.
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