Gateron Quinn vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, but two standout contenders offer distinctly different experiences: the Gateron Quinn and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Quinn is celebrated for its tactile feedback, delivering a crisp, light bump that enhances typing precision while coupled with a deep, resonant sound profile that enriches each keystroke. This switch offers a blend of tactile satisfaction and auditory pleasure, making it ideal for users who appreciate a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie presents a smooth, linear action that ensures a quieter experience with its thocky sound profile—perfect for those who prefer uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming. The medium-weight feel caters to a wide range of typing styles, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Both switches have their unique appeal: the Quinn is for tactile enthusiasts seeking character, while the Sea Salt Smoothie suits those who prioritize smoothness and noise reduction. However, 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
59g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches illustrate a notable contrast in their housing materials, specifically in their top housings. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that delivers a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by its sound-absorption properties. Nylon's relatively softer composition allows for a rounder and more muted auditory experience, enhancing the overall typing acoustics. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie is equipped with a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for providing a unique sound profile that also leans toward the deeper side but offers a distinct auditory nuance. The use of POM tends to produce a unique, pleasing sound that can resonate differently than nylon, suggesting that while both switches may have a similar depth of sound, their acoustic signatures will be subtly different.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches also reveal important differences. Similar to its top counterpart, the Quinn's nylon bottom housing emphasizes sound absorption, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile that aligns well with its top housing characteristics. This synergistic combination enhances the overall typing experience, providing a cohesive acoustics package. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, however, diverges in terms of texture and feel. While still contributing to a muted, deep sound, POM's material properties can introduce a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback during activation. As a result, while both switches excel in offering a deeper sound profile, the Gateron Quinn may appeal more to those seeking a uniformly rounded auditory experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more dynamic tactile experience.
Ultimately, the interaction of these housing materials in both switches serves to diversify the felt experience, despite both maintaining notable depth in sound. If one were to use both switches, the Quinn's nylon components would likely result in a more consistent and subdued auditory output, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's blend of POM allows for a more varied acoustic experience. For users seeking similar results, focusing on the bottom housing when considering sound and feel might yield comparable experiences: both switches, when pressed, will showcase the impact of the bottom housing, albeit with differing characteristics based on the material properties of nylon and POM. Thus, while the acoustic experiences differ, the end result of a satisfying typing sound can be achieved with either switch, contingent upon personal preferences for material and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to different preferences among users. The Quinn has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for that tactile feedback. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty about how it feels when fully pressed down. While the Quinn provides a heavier tactile push, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a lighter alternative; thus, individuals looking for a more delicate touch may gravitate towards the Smoothie, while those desiring a more robust feel might prefer the Quinn.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the differences are notable. The Gateron Quinn features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Thus, the Quinn offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it suitable for gamers who seek quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback and a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference, with the Quinn being the shorter option and the Sea Salt Smoothie providing a more substantial feel.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switches offer a unique auditory experience characterized by depths of resonance and a crisp, clacky sound profile. With each keystroke, users can expect a rich, low-pitched tone that adds warmth and character to the typing experience, making it feel immersive and satisfying. The nylon housings contribute to this deep, resonant sound, providing a distinct aural feedback that many typing enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch provides a thocky sound profile, which typically denotes a pleasant, soft thump that does not distract but rather enhances the overall typing experience. While both switches may cater to different auditory preferences, the Quinn leans more toward a bassy resonant output, whereas the Smoothie offers a subtle, rich low end that can also be enjoyable.
In terms of feel, the Quinn switches stand out by providing a snappy and responsive typing experience. With a tactile bump that is pronounced yet not overwhelming, these switches offer a lively feel that can be engaging during extended typing sessions. The polished finish helps ensure smooth key travel, giving typists a refined experience that feels effortless. Moreover, the bouncy feedback of the Quinn adds to its tactile pleasure, making it satisfying to type on. On the other hand, the specifications for the Sea Salt Smoothie are currently unknown, so it's difficult to compare them directly in terms of feel. However, being an all-POM switch, it’s reasonable to expect that it delivers smooth keypresses akin to other quality linear switches once tested.
Considering the available information about the Gateron Quinn and Sea Salt Smoothie switches, each offers distinct auditory and tactile experiences that can appeal to different preferences among typists. The Quinn excels in providing a unique combination of a deep sound profile and a snappy, polished feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback and character in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, while the Sea Salt Smoothie promises exceptional smoothness at an accessible price point, detailed insights into its tactile qualities remain to be seen. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs, ensuring that regardless of your typing style or sound preference, there’s a suitable option in the Gateron lineup.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a pronounced bump, the Quinn is a great option, offering a responsive, snappy feel and a rich, immersive sound that enhances the typing experience. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force means it requires a bit more effort to press, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more deliberate typing rhythm or are looking for a keyboard that provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness in your keystrokes and prefer a quieter operation, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better choice. This switch provides a luxurious, buttery feel that’s perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming without as much tactile interruption. In essence, the Quinn is for those who seek character and depth in their typing, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to users who desire a fluid and efficient typing experience. Consider your typing style, the desired sensory feedback, and how you want your keyboard to sound when making your decision.
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