KTT Pine vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Pine and the Gateron Quinn offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Pine is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and effortless typing experience. With its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth key travel, it ensures minimal friction that allows for seamless typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn is a tactile switch that stands out with its crisp and light switch-like tactility. Its specially designed nylon housings contribute to a deep and resonant sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. While the Pine focuses on a smooth and polished feel, the Quinn offers a precise and crisp tactile bump. However, let's dive deeper into each switch to help you decide which one suits your typing needs best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and the Gateron Quinn have different top housing materials, with the Pine featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Quinn featuring a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Pine's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Quinn's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their benefits, the choice between the Pine and Quinn will depend on individual sound preferences.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the KTT Pine and Gateron Quinn differ, with the Pine featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Quinn featuring a nylon bottom housing. As with the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic enhances the clear and resonant sound when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, so users should consider their preferences for sound and tactile feedback when choosing between the two.
In summary, the KTT Pine and Gateron Quinn offer distinct sound profiles due to their different top and bottom housing materials. The Pine's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Quinn's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and tactile feedback. However, if an individual prefers a clearer and resonant sound, both the polycarbonate top and bottom housing in the Pine will provide similar results. Similarly, if a user prefers a duller and rounder sound, both the nylon top and bottom housing in the Quinn will yield comparable outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. The KTT Pine switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Quinn has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. However, both switches fall into the medium category for actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Pine requires 58 grams of force, while the Quinn requires 67 grams. The Pine can be considered lighter in bottom out force compared to the Quinn, which is considered medium-heavy.
Considering the weight of a switch is crucial for individuals who have specific preferences. Those who prefer a lighter switch may enjoy the KTT Pine as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who desire a more pronounced push feel for a substantial typing experience might gravitate towards options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In summary, the KTT Pine linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, falling into the medium category, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, classified as medium-heavy. Selecting either switch will provide similar results for individuals who prefer a certain range of force, catering to their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Quinn is slightly shorter than the Pine. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Pine is more traditional, while the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Quinn is slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Quinn a popular choice among them. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper keystroke, the Pine with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Both switches offer different experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch is best described as bassy and low-pitched. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is also described as bassy and low-pitched, but it also adds a clacky and resonant sound to the mix. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, while the resonant sound provides a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Pine providing a deeper and smoother sound, while the Quinn adds crispness and brightness.
In terms of feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy sensation. This indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Quinn tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a snappy and bouncy feel. It is super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, and provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It also has a polished finish, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, but the Pine focuses on smoothness, while the Quinn offers liveliness and rebound.
Based on the available information, the KTT Pine linear switch is best known for its medium-heavy weight, buttery smoothness, effortless typing experience, low-pitched and bassy sound, and creamy and buttery feel. It minimizes friction for smooth key travel and provides a rich sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is characterized by its crisp and light switch-like tactility, deep and resonant sound profile, polished and snappy feel, and a touch of character in the typing experience. It offers precise, clean, and crisp tactile bumps. Despite their differences, both switches excel in their subjective qualities, offering a delightful typing experience. With the Pine switch, users can expect a smoother and deeper experience, while the Quinn switch provides a snappier and more resonant feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a medium-bottom out force, then the KTT Pine linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are buttery smooth and minimize friction for a seamless key travel. They offer a medium-bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a comfortable typing feeling. The Pine switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a deeper and richer tone to your keystrokes.
On the other hand, if you value a crisp and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is worth considering. These switches offer a unique combination of crisp switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Quinn switches provide a precise and clean tactile bump. They are also described as clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, providing a sharp, bright, and immersive sound experience.
Overall, the decision between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a medium-bottom out force, go for the Pine switches. If you prefer a crisp and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Quinn switches are a great option. Consider your desired sound and feel, and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences.
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