Outemu Lime vs. Gateron Quinn

Overview

The Outemu Lime and the Gateron Quinn are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and experiences. The Lime switches are well-known for being lightweight, featuring an approachable tactility, and being silenced. These switches are perfect for tactile fans who desire a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users are greeted with a rich and immersive sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. Expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump as well. Both switches offer their own set of advantages and cater to different preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Lime Tactile

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$3.40 per 10

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used for both the Outemu Lime and Gateron Quinn switches are nylon, which is a classic and widely used material in switch housing. Both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing due to the nylon material's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This quality creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. Therefore, when it comes to sound characteristics, the Lime and Quinn switches will provide similar results.

However, it should be noted that if the top and bottom housings are different, as mentioned in this case, the qualities of the housing material will be split between the two parts. For the Lime switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that when the key is fully pressed down, the nylon bottom housing will contribute to the sound and tactile feedback. Conversely, with the Quinn switch, the top housing will play a more prominent role in the sound when releasing a key, providing a different sensation to the typist.

In terms of material composition, both the Lime and Quinn switches utilize nylon for their housing construction. As such, they share the same inherent properties of nylon's softness and sound absorption capabilities. This similarity ensures that the typing experience on both switches will have a similar overall sound profile. However, it should be noted that due to the division of quality based on the top and bottom housings, there may be subtle differences in the tactile feedback or sound characteristics between the two switches. Therefore, despite their shared material, the Lime and Quinn switches may offer nuanced variations in typing feel and sound output.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Lime switch has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Quinn switch requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison.

The lighter actuation force of the Lime switch may be appealing to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, as it requires less pressure to register a keystroke. This could be advantageous for situations where extended periods of typing are required, such as in a workplace or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Quinn switch's heavier actuation force offers a more substantial push feel, which some individuals may find enhances their typing experience. This could be ideal for those who prefer a tactile response that requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke.

In terms of bottom out force, both switches exhibit a difference in weight as well. The Lime switch bottoms out at 45 grams, while the Quinn switch bottoms out at a higher 67 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Quinn switch requires greater force, providing a more solid and pronounced typing experience for those who enjoy a heavier touch.

It is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these switches. If a lighter and more effortless typing experience is desired, the Outemu Lime switch would be a suitable choice. Conversely, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel, the Gateron Quinn switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out force would be a better fit. Overall, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches allows users to make an informed decision based on their specific preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see that they have very similar distances. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. With such a small difference, it can be said that both switches offer a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. If you prefer a switch with a more traditional travel distance, both options would be suitable as they are within the range of the average 4.0 mm. However, if you are looking for a faster response time, the Lime switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and more substantial feel, the Quinn switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be more to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience you are seeking.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is best described as having a neutral and muted sound profile. The neutral characteristic means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most users and environments. Additionally, the switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a sound profile that is characterized as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. This means that the switch produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling bass tones. It also has a sharp and snappy sound, crisp and bright like a percussive sound, and a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound profile. Therefore, if you prefer a more neutral and muted sound, the Lime would be the better choice, while if you enjoy a deep and resonant sound with various characteristics, the Quinn is the way to go.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. The typing sound and feel are approachable to most users, falling in a safe and middle-ground zone. The switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain on the fingers, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The resistance is gentle, but not featherlight, and the sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Lime switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. This means that it offers a super responsive typing experience, often due to longer or dual-staged springs. The keys have a lively feel, providing rebound when pressed. The switch also has a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel. It provides a prominent amount of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but also not subtle. Furthermore, it offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation due to its smooth and buttery experience. Therefore, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable typing experience, the Lime switch would be the better choice, while if you enjoy a snappy and lively feel with prominent tactile feedback, the Quinn switch is the way to go.

In conclusion, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switch provides a neutral and muted sound, along with a mild, feathery, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound, along with a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Lime switch focusing on a lightweight and silenced experience, while the Quinn switch provides a deep, resonant sound and lively feedback. However, if you desire a similar result in terms of sound and feel, you can expect a quieter and softer sound with a gentle typing experience from both switches. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you prioritize a more neutral and muted sound or a deep and resonant sound, as well as whether you prefer a gentle and approachable typing experience or a snappy and lively feel.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you're looking for a lightweight and silent switch with a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Lime offers a feathery light typing experience that is perfect for those who prefer a gentle typing feel. The Lime switch is also described as having a muted sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces or for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch with a crisp and deep tactile bump, along with a rich, immersive sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Quinn offers a precise and clean tactile bump that is accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Furthermore, the Quinn switch is described as having a bassy and resonant sound profile, adding character to your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between the Outemu Lime and Gateron Quinn switches will depend on whether you prioritize a light and silent typing experience (Lime) or a crisp tactile bump with a deep, resonant sound (Quinn).

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more