Outemu Silent Grey vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Quinn both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, appealing to those who value satisfaction and silence. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches offer a crisp, light tactility and a deep sound profile, creating a rich and immersive typing experience with each keystroke. While the Silent Grey switch focuses on quiet and satisfying typing, the Quinn switch emphasizes a unique sound profile and crisp 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
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Quinn, it is evident that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The difference, however, lies in the top housing material. The Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Quinn's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users looking for a switch with a brighter sound may prefer the Silent Grey, while those seeking a softer sound may lean towards the Quinn.
Despite the different top housing materials used in the Silent Grey and the Quinn switches, it is important to note that both switches offer unique sound profiles. The Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, which may appeal to those looking for a more distinct and defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that may be preferred by users seeking a more muted typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Quinn provides a more classic and understated look. Both switches offer a balance of functionality and design, with the choice between the two ultimately coming down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and visual appeal. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Quinn offer unique typing experiences that cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Silent Grey has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Quinn's 59 grams, but both have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams and 67 grams, respectively. This slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Silent Grey, making it more ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Quinn may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the desired typing feel and force required for optimal performance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Silent Grey offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Quinn, making it a bit more traditional in terms of keypress depth. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Quinn with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel may lean towards the Silent Grey. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and more muted typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a deeper and more resonant sound profile, adding a level of richness and character to each keystroke. The Quinn switch's bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant qualities contribute to a more immersive auditory experience compared to the Silent Grey switch.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its tactile bump and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. Meanwhile, the Gateron Quinn switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a combination of responsiveness, smoothness, and elasticity in each key press. The Quinn switch's unique tactile feedback and smooth keystroke make typing a pleasant and dynamic experience.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Quinn switches boils down to personal preference. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Silent Grey switch may be the better option. However, if you enjoy a more resonant sound profile and a snappy, buttery feel while typing, the Quinn switch could be the way to go. Both switches offer their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Quinn tactile switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a silent and highly tactile typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile that adds character to your typing, the Gateron Quinn switches could be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value silence and pronounced tactility or a rich sound profile and crisp tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard switches. It's important to test out both options to see which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
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