Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron Quinn

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Quinn both offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds a touch of flair to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn stands out for its combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. This unique design, featuring specially designed nylon housings, provides users with a rich and immersive typing experience. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into each switch's qualities, let's delve deeper to help you decide which switch is the best fit for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Quinn switches differ in terms of the materials used and the resulting sound profiles. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Quinn switch has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound profile, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Quinn switches will have similar characteristics due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.

However, it's also important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, even though both the Medium Tactile and Quinn switches have a nylon bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials (polycarbonate for the Medium Tactile and nylon for the Quinn) will result in variations in the sound profile when keys are released.

In summary, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Quinn switches exhibit contrasting housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Quinn's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder sound. However, the difference in top housing materials will lead to variations in the sound when keys are released.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unavailable in grams, while the Quinn switch has an actuation force of 59 grams. This means that the Quinn switch requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Medium Tactile switch. However, the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch is 65 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Quinn switch's bottom out force of 67 grams.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Quinn switch due to its lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prioritize a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Medium Tactile switch, as it has a heavier bottom out force.

In summary, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Medium Tactile and Quinn switches vary slightly, both fall within the medium-heavy range. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have different travel distances. The Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Medium Tactile falls into the more traditional range of travel distances at 4 mm, while the Quinn is on the shallower end with its 3.4 mm distance. This difference in distance can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Quinn with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals might find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a greater depth, the Medium Tactile with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, as well as its jelly-like sound signature. Unfortunately, the specific sound descriptors for the Medium Tactile switch are not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The Quinn switch has been described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. This means that with each keystroke, users can expect a deeper and richer sound profile resembling bass tones, a sharp and snappy sound, a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, and a higher-pitched sound profile with an immersive auditory experience. However, it should be noted that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is accented, stepped, mild, and polished. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, giving users a medium tactile typing experience. The stepped feature means that the keystroke has two stages, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The switch also offers a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel, and the polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch is snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. It provides a super responsive typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs, resulting in a lively feel. The switch also offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, a prominent amount of tactility, and a seamless and effortless typing sensation similar to gliding.

Based on the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile and Gateron Quinn switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Medium Tactile switch has a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Quinn switch combines crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile. Both switches offer their unique experiences, providing users with a choice depending on their personal preferences. However, it is essential to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. If a user desires a medium tactile experience, they can opt for the Durock Medium Tactile switch, while those looking for a switch with crisp tactility and a deep sound would find the Gateron Quinn switch suitable.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is an excellent choice. It provides a satisfying typing experience with its accented feel, making it neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn is a great option. The Quinn offers a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, and its polished and buttery feel ensures smooth and fluid keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize a pronounced and jelly-like sound signature or a deep and resonant sound profile, as well as an accented or polished and smooth feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more