KTT Purple Click vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Quinn. The Purple Click switch is best known for its high-pitched, satisfying click, offering a light keystroke with a pronounced yet balanced level of tactility. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out for its unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users can expect a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience, along with a precise and clean tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for the switch to be translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Purple Click and the Quinn employ nylon, offering a similar experience. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The relatively softer composition of nylon contributes to a richer tactile feedback and a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches, therefore, provide a similar level of depth and fullness in sound when it comes to their bottom-out sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in sound production, they collectively contribute to the overall typing experience. When you depress a key, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when you release the key. Therefore, switching from the Purple Click to the Quinn, or vice versa, will result in noticeable variations in sound and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click will lend a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the Quinn will produce a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches' nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent level of depth and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Quinn requires a higher actuation force of 59 grams, providing a more substantial and deliberate typing experience. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force in comparison to other switches, with the Purple Click requiring 55 grams and the Quinn requiring 67 grams. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, users will experience a similar level of resistance when reaching the bottom of the stroke. The decision between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. Those seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience may opt for the Purple Click, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Quinn. Consideration of weight is essential, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance for prolonged use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Purple Click switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Quinn switch. The traditional travel distance is typically around 4 mm, so the Purple Click falls within this range. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Purple Click's longer travel distance may be more fitting. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Click switch is best described as having a "crunchy" and "resonant" sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a high-pitched and satisfying click, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The sound is clean, sharp, and immersive, providing an enjoyable auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a "bassy," "clacky," and "low-pitched" sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Quinn switch also offers a resonant sound profile, similar to the Purple Click switch, with a higher-pitched tone and a clean, sharp sound. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles, with the Purple Click switch having a more crunchy and resonant sound, while the Quinn switch offers a bassy and clacky sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Purple Click switch is often described as "invigorating" and "stepped." These switches offer a pronounced tactile feedback, with a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy and reactive feel. The typing sensation is immersive and satisfying. Additionally, the stepping of these switches provides a two-stage feel, with a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch is described as "snappy," "polished," "bouncy," "accented," "buttery," and "creamy." These switches are super responsive, offering a lively and elastic feedback sensation. The typing experience feels alive due to longer or dual-staged springs. The switches also have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. They provide a spring-like rebound when pressed, giving a bouncy feel. The Quinn switch is considered an accented switch, offering a medium amount of tactile feedback that is prominent but not overwhelming. Furthermore, the switch can have a buttery or creamy sensation, resembling a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Overall, both switches provide different tactile experiences, with the Purple Click switch being invigorating and stepped, while the Quinn switch is snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy.
Based on the available information, the KTT Purple Click and Gateron Quinn switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Click switch has a high-pitched and satisfying click sound, creating a crunchy and resonant sound profile. It offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a stepped sensation. On the other hand, the Quinn switch provides a bassy and clacky sound, with a low-pitched and resonant profile. It offers a variety of feels, including snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. Both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two, as sound and feel can greatly impact the overall satisfaction of using a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a satisfying, high-pitched click and a balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, then the KTT Purple Click switch is a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a comfortable typing experience without being overwhelming. The Purple Click switch is best known for its crunchy and resonant sound profile, which resembles stepping on piles of autumn leaves and offers an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deep, resonant sound profile and a crisp, clean tactile bump, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the one for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a slightly heavier keystroke feel compared to the Purple Click switch. The Quinn switch is best known for its bassy and clacky sound profile, providing a rich and percussive typing experience. Additionally, the Quinn switch offers a polished feel, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and Gateron Quinn switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a satisfying click with a balanced tactile feel, go for the Purple Click. If you prefer a deep, resonant sound with a crisp tactile bump, opt for the Quinn switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your individual preferences and typing style.
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