Outemu Silver vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it's important to consider the distinct characteristics of each. The Silver switch is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for a linear feel. On the other hand, the Quinn switch is renowned for its unique combination of tactile feedback and a satisfying sound profile, creating a more immersive typing experience. While the Silver switch offers a straightforward linear action, the Quinn switch provides a sharp tactile bump and rich, resonant sound with each press. 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
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Quinn switches both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the keyboard. The Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Quinn's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Silver providing a more defined typing experience and the Quinn offering a more mellow sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silver and the Quinn switches use nylon material, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This means that despite the differences in the top housing material, the bottom housing of both switches will contribute to a similar sound experience, creating a consistent typing feel across both switches. The softer nature of nylon material allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller sound that adds to the overall tactile experience of typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Quinn switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a clear and defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a more mellow typing sound. With both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of the differences in the top housing material.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Silver switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Quinn switch's 59 grams, making the Silver switch a lighter option for those who prefer a gentler touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches are quite similar, with the Silver switch requiring 65 grams and the Quinn switch requiring 67 grams. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu Silver switch, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Gateron Quinn switch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Quinn switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silver switch. The shorter travel distance of the Quinn switch may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silver switch with a slightly longer travel distance might offer a more satisfying keypress experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for providing a neutral and unobtrusive typing experience in terms of sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound. This creates a more immersive and characterful auditory experience compared to the Silver switch. Ultimately, the sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's design, casing material, and keycap material.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have any specific descriptors, making it difficult to determine its tactile qualities. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. This means that users can expect a combination of responsiveness, smoothness, spring-like feedback, medium tactility, fluid keystrokes, and a silky typing sensation with the Quinn switch. The tactile experience of a switch is crucial in determining the overall typing feel and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silver switch is more neutral in sound and lacks specific tactile descriptors, the Quinn switch provides a deeper, richer sound profile and a range of tactile experiences from snappy to creamy. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. It's important to consider all factors such as switch design, keyboard build, keycap selection, and personal typing style when deciding between these two options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth linear feel, the Outemu Silver switch is a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a unique combination of crisp, light tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Gateron Quinn switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a linear feel or a tactile experience with a rich sound profile. Consider your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire when making your decision.
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