Gateron Quinn vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two popular options that offer distinct experiences. The Gateron Quinn stands out for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to the specially designed nylon housings. Typing on the Quinn switches not only feels precise and clean but also offers a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon represents a different approach with its linear switch design. It boasts a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. The Sea Salt Lemon switches provide a low-pitched and neutral typing experience that is mild and pleasing. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in terms of their housing materials. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This means that typing on the Quinn with its nylon top housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon with its polycarbonate top housing will deliver a clearer and more resonant sound.
In regards to their bottom housing, both the Quinn and the Sea Salt Lemon employ nylon. This material also absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, typing on both switches will elicit a similar sound experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in creating a duller and rounder sound. However, it should be noted that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing will affect the sound when the key is released.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon result in contrasting sound profiles. The Quinn's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Conversely, their shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar sound experience, creating a duller and rounder sound. Whether one prefers the softer and absorptive qualities of nylon or the stiffer and more resonant characteristics of polycarbonate, these housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Quinn requires a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. Similarly, the Quinn has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams while the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. These variances in force make the Quinn a slightly heavier option overall, both for actuation and bottoming out, compared to the Sea Salt Lemon.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for comfortable and effortless keystrokes. In this aspect, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a suitable choice due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, the Quinn's heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be ideal, providing a more satisfying tactile feedback.
Although the forces differ between these switches, those seeking similar results could achieve them by adjusting their typing technique. By consciously regulating the amount of force applied during keystrokes, users could simulate either a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out feel on both switches. Understanding personal preferences regarding weight and typing experience will be key in deciding which switch, whether lighter or heavier, is the right fit for each individual.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can see that the Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Sea Salt Lemon falls within the more standard range of 4.0 mm. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a slightly shorter travel distance. This shorter travel distance may be appreciated by gamers who desire faster response times, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Quinn would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper keystroke, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer travel distance, would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique benefits, so choosing between them depends on individual preferences. In either case, you will experience a distinct tactile feel and the satisfying travel distance associated with mechanical keyboards.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of qualities. It has a deep and resonant sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. The sound is rich and immersive, with a precise and crisp tactile bump. The Quinn switches can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone. It offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes. Both switches provide enjoyable sound experiences, with the Quinn being more immersive and the Sea Salt Lemon being more neutral in its sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy and polished typing experience. The switches are known for their responsiveness, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. The switches also have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Quinn switches can be described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. It stands in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a more approachable feel for most users. Both switches offer enjoyable tactile experiences, with the Quinn being more lively and the Sea Salt Lemon being more mild and gentle.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Quinn is known for its immersive and rich sound profile, providing a crisp tactile bump. It offers a snappy and polished feel with its responsiveness and smooth finish. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. It offers a mild and gentle typing experience. If you are looking for a deeper and more resonant sound with a snappy and polished feel, the Quinn switch is a great choice. If you prefer a low-pitched sound with a mild and gentle feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch will be more fitting. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique sound profile, the Gateron Quinn switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a crisp and clean tactile bump, accompanied by a deep and resonant sound produced by the specially designed nylon housings. The Quinn switches provide a rich and immersive typing experience, adding character to every keystroke.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches would be a great option. These switches feature a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth feel while typing. The Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users.
In terms of sound, the Gateron Quinn switches have a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, providing a deep and immersive auditory experience. The Sea Salt Lemon switches, on the other hand, have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn switches are described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a responsive and refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in the safe middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics described above to make an informed decision and find the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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