Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Quinn can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are celebrated for their refined tactile feel, providing a short yet medium-strength bump that caters to both gamers and typists alike, thanks to their development alongside keyboard enthusiast Glarses. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switches showcase a unique blend of light, snappy tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, attributed to their specially designed nylon housings. Users can expect not only a precise tactile bump but also a rich auditory experience with every keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of character in their typing feedback. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB favors a sporty and balanced approach, the Gateron Quinn leans into a more vibrant and immersive soundscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Purple RGB and Gateron Quinn mechanical switches share striking similarities in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This common choice underscores the use of nylon as a classic switch housing material, which significantly influences the overall acoustic profile and tactile feedback of each switch. The result is a deeper and fuller sound when typing, attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs vibrations and sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, the sound produced by both switches is characterized by a duller and rounder quality, allowing for a more satisfying auditory experience.
While both switches utilize nylon in their construction, it is worth noting that any potential differences in their acoustic performance and tactile feel could stem from nuances in their design or construction nuances rather than the materials themselves. Since both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Gateron Quinn have made use of nylon throughout their housings, users can expect a consistent auditory profile when pressing down or releasing keys. However, each switch's individual design may subtly impact the user experience, particularly in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, which is predominantly affected by the characteristics of the bottom housing. Despite these nuances, the foundational acoustic qualities provided by the nylon material suggest a similar typing experience between the two switches.
In summary, the comparison of housing materials between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Quinn illustrates how the use of nylon contributes to a cohesive sound profile across both switch types. Given that each switch incorporates nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users are likely to encounter analogous auditory experiences, characterized by rich, rounded sound and a deeper resonance upon keystrokes. While design elements may lead to differing tactile experiences, the reliance on nylon ensures that both switches deliver a fuller acoustic result during use, providing a satisfying experience for typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Gateron Quinn features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, catering to those who seek a more robust typing experience. The bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is not available, while the Gateron Quinn has a measurable bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon bottoming out. As a result, users who prioritize lighter switches for comfort should lean towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while those desiring a stronger tactile response may prefer the Gateron Quinn. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the lighter option, whereas the Gateron Quinn is the heavier choice, offering distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Purple RGB the better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced and hearty depth when pressing down on a key, as it provides a longer travel that can enhance tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn's 3.4 mm travel distance aligns with the modern trend favoring shorter distances, making it a more responsive option, which can be particularly appealing for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Quinn is the way to go, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB will suit those who appreciate a deeper key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable differences. The MX Purple RGB is often characterized by a more balanced and refined auditory experience, although details on its specific sound profile are less explicit. In contrast, the Quinn switches deliver a rich and immersive sound, encompassing a range of descriptors such as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. The bassy nature of the Quinn adds depth with a warm undertone that fades into a lighter, clacky sound highlight, providing a dynamic auditory layering with each keypress. The unique design of the nylon housings enhances this rich sound quality, offering a more resonant and rounded audio signature.
In terms of tactile feel, the MX Purple RGB provides a refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump. This tactile feedback is tailored for users who appreciate a clear distinction between key presses without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn presents a wide variety of tactile sensations. It combines a snappy responsiveness with polished smoothness, resulting in less friction and a seamless typing experience. The Quinn also adds a bouncing quality to each keystroke, enhancing the feeling of elasticity and springiness. Additionally, the tactile feedback is described as accented, which means it strikes a balance between prominent and subtle tactility. This diversity allows for a more lively and responsive typing experience that many users find enjoyable.
In conclusion, while both switches offer valuable tactile experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The MX Purple RGB is suited for those who appreciate a more traditional and balanced tactile feedback, while the Gateron Quinn excels in providing a rich sound and a variety of tactile sensations, including smoothness, bounce, and responsiveness. If you prefer a unique auditory signature with versatile tactile feedback, the Quinn may be the preferable choice, whereas the MX Purple RGB caters to those seeking a refined yet straightforward tactile experience.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a medium-strength tactile feedback that is refined yet responsive, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent option, especially for those who enjoy a clean and precise typing experience without excessive resistance. This switch is particularly suitable for gamers and typists who favor a balanced response without feeling overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a richer auditory experience and enjoy a deeper sound with a more pronounced tactile bump, the Gateron Quinn is the better choice. Its combination of a crisp tactile feel and a resonant sound will make each keystroke both lively and immersive, making it ideal for those who appreciate both feedback and auditory character in their keyboard. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it be the tactile responsiveness and lightness of the Purple RGB or the engaging sound and bounciness of the Quinn—before committing to one.
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