Kailh Plum vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Quinn. The Plum switch is known for its unique combination of weightiness without a huge tactile bump, providing a distinct typing experience. In contrast, the Quinn switch offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. Each keystroke on the Quinn switch produces a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. Both switches have their own merits, but 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
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Plum utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, it produces a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials are classic options for switch housings, they offer distinct characteristics that can contribute to different typing experiences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Plum and the Quinn rely on nylon as the material of choice. This choice allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon has the ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. The relatively softer nature of nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, which can affect the overall typing experience. It is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Therefore, when pressing down on a switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Quinn leads to variations in sound profiles during typing. The use of polycarbonate in the Plum's top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Quinn creates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the specific materials may differ, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is apparent that they have slightly different specifications. The actuation force of the Plum switch is unavailable, indicating that its force requirement to trigger a keystroke is unknown. In contrast, the Quinn switch has an actuation force of 59 grams. While the actuation forces differ, both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces. The Plum switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Quinn switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams, also categorized as medium-heavy.
Considering their weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to type for extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. Those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards options with heavier forces. In this case, the Quinn switch with an actuation force of 59 grams would be lighter compared to the Plum switch, where the actuation force is unspecified. However, both switches offer a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring comparable results in terms of typing experience for individuals who prefer this level of key resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there is a slight difference in their travel distances. The Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more prevalent in recent times due to the preference of gamers for faster response times. If you are someone who prioritizes a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Quinn switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the preferable choice for you. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more substantial depth and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Plum switch with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Plum tactile switch is known for its unique combination of weightiness and a moderate tactile bump. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum switches have a hefty feel without featuring a prominent tactile bump. This makes them stand out among other options in the market. In terms of sound, the Plum switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound and actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes, whether at home or work.
On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a different experience. These switches have a light, crisp tactile bump, providing a precise and clean typing sensation. The Quinn switches are also specially designed with nylon housings, resulting in a deep and resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users can enjoy a rich and immersive sound, adding character to their typing experience. The sound of Quinn switches can be characterized as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, offering a variety of tones and qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Plum switches are described as mild and stepped. The mild characteristic provides a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. The stepped feature means that the switch has two stages, offering some pre-travel and/or post-travel, which adds to the mild sensation. On the other hand, the Quinn switches are known for being snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. These qualities result in a responsive, smooth, and lively typing experience, with reduced friction and a pleasant rebound effect.
Taking all this information into account, it is clear that both the Kailh Plum and Gateron Quinn tactile switches have their own unique qualities and characteristics. The Plum switches offer a unique heaviness without a prominent tactile bump and a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Quinn switches provide a crisp tactile bump, a deep and resonant sound, and a range of feel descriptors, such as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. Depending on the user's preferences, they can choose the Plum switches for a weighty and neutral experience or the Quinn switches for a crisp and immersive typing sensation. It's important to note that the overall sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities, and regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a unique and hefty feel without a significant tactile bump, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. On the other hand, if you value a crisp and light switch-like tactility combined with a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With a slightly lower bottom out force of 67 grams, the Quinn switch provides a precise and clean tactile bump, adding character to your typing experience with its bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound options. Additionally, the Quinn switch offers a range of feels including snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, ensuring a responsive and smooth keystroke experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Plum and Gateron Quinn tactile switches will depend on your preference for feel, sound, and desired typing experience.
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