KTT Mallo vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and Gateron Quinn both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, making it a balanced choice for typists who prefer a gentler feedback. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out for its crisp, light tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, providing users with a more immersive typing experience. These switches are categorized differently - Mallo as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Subdued', 'Subtle' and Quinn as 'Snappy', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Accented', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', 'Resonant'. 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
55g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Quinn, it is evident that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Quinn's nylon top housing. This difference in materials will result in a more clear and resonant sound for the Mallo, while the Quinn will offer a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon.
While both the Mallo and Quinn switches share a nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials differ significantly. The use of polycarbonate in the Mallo's top housing results in a switch that is more likely to have a clear housing, making it especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muffled and rounded tone compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Mallo. This contrast in materials showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound profile of a switch, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Quinn play a crucial role in the sound and feel of each switch. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference in their top housing materials sets them apart. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo creates a more clear and resonant sound profile, with a sharper and higher-pitched tone, while the nylon top housing of the Quinn produces a duller and rounder sound. Whether one prefers a crisper sound for typing precision or a fuller sound for a more muted typing experience, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that the Mallo has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to Quinn's 59 grams. However, the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is lighter than the Quinn's 67 grams. This means that while the Mallo requires less force to trigger a keystroke, it provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall compared to the Quinn with a heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use, the Mallo may be the better option. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the Quinn would be the choice with its heavier bottom out force. In both cases, users can expect a satisfactory typing experience based on their preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Mallo offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, with the Mallo providing a longer, more deliberate press, and the Quinn offering a quicker and more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key press depth and response speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mallo switches offer a neutral and subdued sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches are described as having a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound, providing a rich and immersive auditory experience with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference and the accompanying components on the keyboard, users can achieve different sound experiences with each switch.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mallo switches are characterized as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a light typing experience with gentle resistance. This makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switches are described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a responsive and smooth typing sensation with elastic feedback and a prominent amount of tactility. The differences in feel cater to users with varying preferences for typing feedback and key responsiveness.
Overall, the KTT Mallo switches emphasize subtlety and finesse in design, offering a balanced tactile bump and a versatile sound profile. In comparison, the Gateron Quinn switches provide a crisp tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound profile, adding character to the typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch depending on their preferences for tactile feedback and sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a more subtle and feathery typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Mallo switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy and polished typing feel accompanied by a bassy and resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. Whether you prioritize a gentle tactility with a neutral sound or a crisp tactility with a deep sound, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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