Bsun Olive vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. On one hand, the Bsun Olive switch stands out for its all-POM housing that delivers a deep and resonant sound, coupled with pronounced tactile feedback that provides a satisfying typing experience. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Olive switch is ideal for those who enjoy a responsive and tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a unique combination of light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile due to its specially designed nylon housing. Categorized as 'Snappy', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Accented', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Resonant', the Quinn switch is perfect for users looking for a precise and clean tactile bump. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 main difference between the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Gateron Quinn lies in their composition - the Olive utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, while the Quinn features nylon for both parts. Despite this distinction, both switches aim to provide a deep and muted sound profile. However, the use of POM in the Olive may result in a slightly different sound compared to the nylon used in the Quinn. POM is known for creating a more unique and pleasing sound, whereas nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of sound profile, the bottom housing of a switch impacts the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, users of the Bsun Olive may experience a slightly different tactile sensation compared to those using the Gateron Quinn due to the varying properties of POM and nylon. Both materials are known for their ability to produce a more subdued and rounded sound, with POM possibly offering a more pleasing and unique sound overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
While the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and Gateron Quinn may have some differences in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles, they both strive to provide a deep and muted typing experience. The POM top and bottom housing of the Olive may offer a more unique and pleasing sound, while the nylon housing of the Quinn provides a classic deep and fuller sound. Regardless of these distinctions, users can expect a similar overall typing experience from both switches, with slight variations in sound and tactile feedback depending on the material used in each switch's construction. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have a similar medium-heavy feel, with the Olive requiring 65 grams and the Quinn requiring 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Olive may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making the two switches equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This results in a consistent typing experience for users of either switch, allowing for familiarity and comfort across both options. Overall, the travel distance of both the Bsun Olive and the Gateron Quinn tactile switches is the same, providing a similar feel and performance for those who use them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Olive switches are known for their resonant and deep sound profile, thanks to the all-POM housings. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches offer a rich and immersive sound with a touch of character due to their specially designed nylon housings. While the Olive switches provide a bassy and resonant experience, the Quinn switches offer a mix of characteristics like clacky and low-pitched tones. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience, but users looking for a deeper sound might prefer the Olive, while those seeking a mix of characteristics may lean towards the Quinn.
When it comes to feel, the Olive switches are described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a prominent amount of tactility and a sharp tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches provide a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy typing experience. Both switches offer a responsive and tactile feel, with the Olive focusing more on intense feedback and sharp tactile bumps, while the Quinn provides a smooth and refined typing sensation with buttery and creamy characteristics. Users looking for a more pronounced and sharp feel may prefer the Olive switches, while those seeking a smooth and polished experience might opt for the Quinn switches.
Overall, the BSUN Olive tactile switches offer a deep and resonant sound with a notable tactile feedback, providing users with a satisfying typing experience characterized by sharp bottom-outs. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switches offer a unique combination of crisp tactility and a rich sound profile, promising users a precise and clean tactile bump with each keystroke. Both switches have their strengths in sound and feel, catering to different preferences, whether it be for a deep and intense typing experience or a smooth and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Olive and Quinn switches will depend on individual preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Olive tactile switch or the Gateron Quinn tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced tactile feedback, and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Bsun Olive switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility, a deep, resonant sound profile, and additional characteristics like a polished, buttery feel, then the Gateron Quinn switch might be the more suitable option. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider what aspects of typing experience are most important to you before making a decision. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback, sound profile, or overall typing feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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