Cherry MX Black vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Quinn. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth, textured feel and deep sound profile. Its low-pitched and stiff characteristics make it a favorite among those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn is a tactile switch that offers a unique combination of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound. With its specially designed nylon housings, the Quinn switch provides a polished and bassy typing experience that adds character to every keystroke. While both switches have their own strengths and qualities, 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
60g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Quinn use the same housing material for both the top and bottom housings: nylon. Nylon is known to provide a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, which creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the MX Black and the Gateron Quinn may still have subtle differences in their sound profile. This is because the distribution of the housing material between the top and bottom of the switch affects the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on the MX Black or the Gateron Quinn, the user will experience the qualities of the bottom housing, which has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of housing material, users can expect similar results from both the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Quinn due to their shared use of nylon. Nylon's softer nature allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether typing on the MX Black or the Gateron Quinn, the nylon housing will contribute to the overall typing experience by creating a rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to other factors such as actuation force, switch travel, or keycap compatibility.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The MX Black is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. In contrast, the Quinn has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The MX Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a medium-heavy experience, striking a balance between lighter typing for longer periods and a more solid keystroke. Despite these variations, both switches require a similar amount of force for actuation, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Quinn. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the MX Black being on the higher end and the Quinn on the lower end. However, the trend in recent times has seen a preference for shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Quinn with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, the MX Black with its slightly longer travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the MX Black is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Quinn switch is described as having a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile. This indicates that the Quinn switch offers a deeper and richer sound experience, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the sound of the Quinn switch is sharp, crisp, bright, and percussive, providing an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff. Textured switches have noticeable friction when pressed, and some users prefer this subtle texture while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Stiff switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, resulting in a more physically demanding typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. Snappy switches are super responsive, providing a more alive typing experience. Polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and offering smooth key travel. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Accented switches offer a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Butter and creamy switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, with smooth and fluid keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile and offers a textured and stiff typing feel. On the other hand, the Quinn switch has multiple sound profiles, including bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, and offers a variety of typing feels such as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. While these switches have different characteristics, it's important to consider personal preferences and the overall typing experience desired when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a smooth and textured feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. These switches offer a deep and familiar sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a crisp and tactile feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be a great option. With each keystroke, you can expect a clean and precise tactile bump, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight, feel, and sound. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch is the best fit for you.
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