Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Quinn are two popular choices, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, creating a creamy yet lightweight switch that is slightly textured right out of the box, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn boasts a distinctive combination of crisp, light tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. While the Keygeek Raw is best for those who prefer a mild and subtle typing experience, the Quinn is perfect for users looking for a snappy and bassy tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Quinn both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, which is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, while the Quinn utilizes a classic nylon top housing. Both materials are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing, but the Keygeek Raw's blend may offer a slightly different sound profile due to its unique composition. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw boasts a UMPE & Si blend exclusive to its switches, while the Quinn sticks with the classic nylon bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, both materials contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience. The Keygeek Raw's unique blend may offer a slightly different tactile feel compared to the Gateron Quinn's nylon bottom housing.
While the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Quinn may differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive Nylon & UPE blend top and UMPE & Si blend bottom housing offer a potentially different sound and feel compared to the Quinn's classic nylon housing materials. However, users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile from both switches, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the exclusivity of the Keygeek Raw or the classic feel of the Gateron Quinn, both switches offer a high-quality housing construction that enhances the typing experience.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, making it slightly lighter than the Quinn, which has an actuation force of 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, while the Quinn needs 67 grams. This means that the Quinn is heavier both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Keygeek Raw. The Keygeek Raw would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use, while the Quinn would be chosen by those who prefer a more solid and heavier feel when typing. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the Quinn offering a slightly heavier touch overall.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral acoustical profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a unique combination of bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant qualities that deliver a deep and immersive auditory experience during typing. Depending on personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard, users may choose between the versatile neutrality of the Keygeek Raw or the rich and characterful sound profile of the Gateron Quinn.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured and mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a snappy and polished feel, characterized by responsive key presses and a smooth, refined key travel. Additionally, the Quinn switch offers bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy qualities that contribute to a lively and buttery typing sensation. Individuals looking for a gentle and subtly textured experience may lean towards the Keygeek Raw, while those seeking a responsive and polished feel with lively feedback may prefer the Gateron Quinn.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Quinn switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound and textured, mild feel, the Gateron Quinn delivers a rich, bassy sound and snappy, polished feel with additional bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy attributes. Depending on whether users prioritize a versatile sound profile or a rich tactile experience, they can choose between the Keygeek Raw for a neutral and mildly textured option or the Gateron Quinn for a bassy, snappy, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep, rich sound profile with a crisp tactile bump and a range of tactile experiences like snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, the Gateron Quinn may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound feedback.
Mentioned in this article
