Gateron Melodic vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and Gateron Quinn stand out as popular choices with their unique characteristics. The Melodic is a clicky switch that blends the classic clicky sound with smoothness, thanks to features like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the Quinn is a tactile switch that offers a distinctive combination of light tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile due to its specially designed nylon housing. While the Melodic is lauded for its invigorating and crunchy feel, the Quinn is praised for its crisp and polished tactile bump. If you prefer a buttery and resonant typing experience, the Melodic may be the way to go, while the Quinn's snappy and bassy feel might be more appealing. 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
60g
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
Yes
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 Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Quinn, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the overall typing experience in terms of sound will be somewhat consistent between the two switches. However, the differences lie in the top housing material.
The Gateron Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to polycarbonate. This contrast in top housing materials highlights the different sound profiles that users can expect from each switch.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material will be felt differently depending on the specific switch. The bottom housing material tends to have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though both the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Quinn share a common nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials will result in distinct typing experiences in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Melodic clicky switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine, and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Quinn tactile switch has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The Melodic switch offers a lighter typing experience with a potentially easier keystroke activation, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Quinn switch provides a heavier push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky 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 Melodic switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial key press feel compared to the Quinn switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Quinn switch, while those who prefer a deeper key press experience may opt for the Melodic switch. Both switches offer unique travel distances that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, producing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses with crisp, bright, and percussive tones. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can add a touch of personality to your typing experience, with the Melodic leaning towards a higher-pitched sound and the Quinn offering a mix of lower frequency tones.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as having a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and snappy responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel, delivering super responsive typing with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a lively rebound when pressed. Both switches offer a range of tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, with the Melodic focusing on a seamless and uniform typing experience and the Quinn providing a balance of tactility and smoothness.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic leans towards a higher-pitched and buttery sound and feel, the Quinn provides a mix of bassy, clacky, polished, and creamy characteristics. Depending on your preference for sound profiles and typing sensations, both switches can offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, with the Melodic emphasizing a classic clicky sound and the Quinn offering a deep, resonant sound with a mix of tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can provide similar results in terms of overall quality and performance, catering to a variety of typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prioritize a classic clicky sound, smooth keystrokes, and medium bottom out force, the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique combination of crisp tactility, deep sound profile, and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Quinn switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the clicky sound and smoothness of the Melodic or the tactile feedback and deep sound of the Quinn. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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