TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Quinn offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a delicate and nuanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switches stand out for their crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with each keystroke. While the Light Cloud V2 is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, the Quinn switches are known for their snappy and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Quinn utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a deep and full sound profile during typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel with both switches.
However, one key difference between the Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Quinn lies in their top and bottom housing components. While both switches feature nylon for their housings, the distribution of these materials varies. The qualities of the top housing material are felt when releasing a key, influencing the sound in that moment, while the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This distinction highlights how the placement of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches like the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Quinn plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. With nylon as the common material for both switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by its softer nature. The different distribution of nylon in the top and bottom housings of these switches allows for a unique typing experience, showcasing how small variations in housing material placement can lead to noticeable differences in sound and feel during use.
Weight
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Light Cloud V2 at 58 grams and the Quinn at 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Light Cloud V2 may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Quinn for its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Quinn tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Light Cloud V2 offering a slightly deeper keypress compared to the Quinn. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 Light Cloud V2 linear switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards and making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deep, bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, providing users with a rich and immersive auditory experience that adds character to their typing sessions. While the Light Cloud V2 focuses on a quieter and more neutral sound, the Quinn switch delivers a more vibrant and varied sound experience, catering to users looking for a unique auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Light Cloud V2 switch offers a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience, providing a gentle and comfortable feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a responsive and lively typing experience with smooth key travel and distinct tactile feedback. The Quinn switch focuses on providing users with a tactile sensation that is both refined and engaging, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response during typing.
Overall, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Light Cloud V2 provides a quieter and softer typing experience with lightweight actuation, the Quinn switch delivers a deeper and more resonant sound profile along with a snappy and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the subtle elegance of the Light Cloud V2 or the dynamic character of the Quinn switch, both promising a satisfying and immersive mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch or the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it's important to take into account your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience with a muted and neutral sound profile, the Light Cloud V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crisp and tactile typing experience with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most, whether it be a light and refined feel or a tactile and immersive one.
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