Cherry MX Brown vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that often come into consideration are the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Quinn. The MX Brown switches are best known for their subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Quinn switches provide a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users are greeted with a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. Both switches have their own distinctive qualities that make them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
45g
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
Nylon
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
The Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Quinn share similar housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switches. Both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, which is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This means that both the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Quinn will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided. In this case, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Since both the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Quinn use the same material for both top and bottom housings, their overall performance in terms of sound and feel remains comparable.
In terms of housing material, the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Quinn essentially offer the same characteristics. Both switches utilize nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a typing experience that may be considered more pleasing to the ear. Additionally, the use of nylon also contributes to a rounder and duller sound, allowing for a more subtle and less harsh auditory experience. Thus, users can expect similar sound and feel when typing on either the Cherry MX Brown or the Gateron Quinn switches.
Although both the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Quinn feature nylon top and bottom housings, it is worth mentioning that the effect of each housing material can differ depending on their specific placement within a switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite this distinction, as both switches utilize the same nylon material for both top and bottom housings, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of whether they opt for the Cherry MX Brown or the Gateron Quinn switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Cherry MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a smoother and easier keystroke, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. The lighter weight allows for less finger fatigue and promotes longer periods of comfortable typing.
On the contrary, if someone prefers a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Gateron Quinn would be the better option. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, it requires a stronger push, providing a more satisfying and tactile feel while typing. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a more prominent keystroke feedback and desire a greater physical engagement with their keyboard.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, both the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Quinn can deliver satisfying results.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see that the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The MX Brown's 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a standard depth that many users are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Quinn's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Quinn switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, it is important to note that some users find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, so if you prefer a deeper keypress feel, the MX Brown with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing/gaming requirements.
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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle and subdued audio feedback with a relatively light typing experience. They can be described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and mellow sound profile resembling the richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches have a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The specially designed nylon housings contribute to a rich and immersive sound, adding character to the typing experience. They can be characterized as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, providing a clean, sharp, and percussive sound. While both switches have bassy and low-pitched qualities, the Quinn switches offer a more varied and immersive sound profile overall.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are best described as textured, with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches have a range of tactile experiences. They can be described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs. They can also be described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Additionally, they can be described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The Quinn switches are also accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Furthermore, they can be described as buttery and creamy, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Overall, the Gateron Quinn switches provide a more diverse range of tactile experiences compared to the Cherry MX Brown switches.
Taking all the available information into account, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a light typing experience with subtle tactility and a subdued audio feedback. They have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, and provide a textured typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches offer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. They have a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound, and provide a range of tactile experiences including snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. While both switches offer some similarities in sound and feel, the Gateron Quinn switches provide a more varied and immersive typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a subtle and gentle typing experience with subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a medium-light feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The MX Browns offer a smooth and textured typing experience, which some users prefer for its slight friction. In terms of sound, these switches produce a low-pitched and bassy tone, adding depth and richness to each keystroke.
On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel that provides satisfaction with each press. The Quinns have a polished and snappy feel, delivering a responsive and lively typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Quinns exhibit a bassy, clacky, and resonant profile, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience.
Ultimately, the choice between Cherry MX Browns and Gateron Quinn switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter and more subtle feel with subdued audio feedback, MX Browns may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you desire a crisper and more immersive typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Quinn switches might be a better fit for you. Consider your desired level of tactility, bottom out force preference, and sound profile to make an informed decision.
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