KTT Peach vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Peach and the Gateron Quinn. The Peach is a linear switch, known for its smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. It falls under the categories of "Low-pitched," "Neutral," and "Mild." On the other hand, the Quinn is a tactile switch that offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Its specially designed nylon housings contribute to this immersive typing experience. The Quinn is categorized as "Snappy," "Bassy," "Polished," "Bouncy," "Clacky," "Accented," "Buttery," "Creamy," "Low-pitched," and "Resonant." Each switch has its own strengths and unique features that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Peach and the Gateron Quinn differ primarily in their composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Peach utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, enhancing the switch's resonant qualities. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Peach. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both switches achieve excellent results, the Peach provides a brighter and crisper sound, whereas the Quinn offers a deeper and fuller typing experience.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Peach and the Quinn share the use of nylon, known for its ability to elicit a deep and full sound profile. As the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon, resulting in a fuller and more satisfying typing experience. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both the Peach and the Quinn are able to achieve a similar outcome, emphasizing the importance of this housing material in enhancing the overall sound and tactile feedback of the switches.
It should be noted that the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles in the performance of the switches. The KTT Peach's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound when a key is released, providing a sharper and crisper audio experience. On the other hand, the bottom housing, made of nylon in both the Peach and the Quinn, influences the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deep and full bottom-out sound. While the two switches differ in their top housing materials, both benefit from the qualities of nylon in their bottom housings. This split of housing materials allows each switch to excel in specific aspects and provide an overall enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Peach linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Peach switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the Quinn switch requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Peach switch would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type for longer durations without fatigue. This makes it an ideal option for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during extended gaming sessions.
However, some users might prefer a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push force. In such cases, the Quinn switch would be a better fit due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke.
While the forces required for actuation and bottoming out differ between the two switches, it is worth noting that they both fall within the medium range. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, particularly in terms of the overall weight and force required. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Peach linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch depends on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Peach linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the Peach has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Quinn's 3.4 mm. The Peach's travel distance falls within the more traditional range, offering a deeper feeling when pressed. On the other hand, the Quinn's shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Quinn's shorter travel distance may be more suitable. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Peach's longer travel distance would be a better choice. In essence, both switches offer different travel distances, allowing individuals to choose based on their personal preference.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 KTT Peach linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, adding depth to the typing experience. The neutral sound profile means that it offers a moderate level of sound, making it suitable for various purposes and users.
On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile. The bassy characteristic adds richness and depth to the sound, resembling the tones associated with bass. The clacky nature of the switch produces a crisp and sharp sound when pressed, providing a bright and percussive experience. Additionally, the low-pitched attribute further enhances the bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the resonant quality adds a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Peach switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a gentle feel while typing, offering a safe and approachable middle-ground experience for most users. It neither has pronounced characteristics nor extreme qualities, making it suitable for those looking for a comfortable and moderately responsive typing experience.
On the other hand, the Quinn switch has a range of feel descriptors. It offers a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy typing experience. The snappy attribute indicates a highly responsive switch, making the typing experience feel alive. The polished characteristic means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. The bouncy feature gives the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, offering a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The accented quality refers to a medium tactile switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The buttery and creamy attributes suggest a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with the switch offering seamless and effortless key presses.
In conclusion, the KTT Peach linear switch and Gateron Quinn tactile switch have different sound and feel characteristics. The Peach switch is known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile, while the Quinn switch offers a combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The Peach switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound, with a mild feel, while the Quinn switch has a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound, with a range of feel descriptors including snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with slightly different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a smooth typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, then the KTT Peach linear switch is the better choice for you. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the Peach offers a syrupy smooth feel that is approachable to most typists. In terms of sound, the Peach has a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique combination of light switch-like tactility and a deep resonant sound profile, then the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the right option for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Quinn offers a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump that adds character to the typing experience. In terms of sound, the Quinn has a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant profile, providing a deep and rich sound experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Peach linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Whether you prioritize a smooth and gentle typing experience or a responsive and lively key press, both switches offer their own unique qualities. Consider the characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences to make an informed decision.
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