Gateron Quinn vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Semi Mute are two popular options with distinct qualities. The Quinn switch is best known for its crisp and light tactile feedback, providing users with an immersive typing experience accompanied by a deep and resonant sound profile. With its specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke delivers a precise and clean tactile bump, offering a polished and clacky sensation. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch, despite its name, operates completely silently, making it ideal for those seeking a noise-free environment. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the KTT Semi Mute switch provides a buttery and mild typing feel. This switch is specifically designed for undisturbed typing, particularly during late-night sessions. Considering these general qualities, determining the best switch for you requires a deeper exploration of specific preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Quinn Tactile

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Quinn and the KTT Semi Mute both use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, while the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. In terms of sound profile, the Quinn's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Both materials have their unique attributes, resulting in distinct sound profiles. However, if a clear housing is preferred to showcase RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute would be more ideal.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Quinn employs a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi Mute is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Quinn creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its relative stiffness. Again, both materials offer distinct sound profiles based on their individual properties. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate bottom housing makes it suitable for showcasing RGB lighting, complementing the overall aesthetics of the switch.

When comparing the overall performance of the switches, the differences in housing materials contribute to various aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, whether it is the nylon bottom housing of the Quinn or the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it is nylon for the Quinn or polycarbonate for the Semi Mute, will affect the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities depending on the specific role played by each housing material. Ultimately, whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Semi Mute can deliver satisfying typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Quinn switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Semi Mute switch's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This implies that the Quinn switch requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Quinn switch is 67 grams, which is also higher than the Semi Mute switch's bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Quinn switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to bottom out.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Semi Mute switch would be a suitable option as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for comfortable typing over longer periods of time, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more robust typing experience might favor the Quinn switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

It is worth mentioning that although the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, both fall within the medium weight range. Therefore, regardless of the choice between the Quinn and Semi Mute switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preferences for typing experience - whether one prefers a lighter touch or a more forceful keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we can see that there is a clear difference. The Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Semi Mute has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Semi Mute requires a slightly deeper press compared to the Quinn.

In terms of traditional travel distances, the Quinn falls on the shallower side at 3.4 mm, while the Semi Mute is closer to the more common 4 mm. It's worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Quinn with its shorter travel distance might be the better choice for you.

On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth to their typing. In this case, the Semi Mute's longer travel distance could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer their own benefits, whether it be quicker response or a more satisfying press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile. With its specially designed nylon housings, these switches produce a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The sound can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed for a noise-free environment, offering a completely silent operation. Despite being labeled as "Semi Mute," these switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. The sound is muted and neutral, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, while the Quinn offers a unique and immersive sound experience, the Semi Mute provides a quieter and more muted typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its snappy and polished typing experience. These switches are super responsive, providing a more alive typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Quinn switches can also be described as bouncy and accented, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Furthermore, the switches offer a buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Similarly, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a buttery typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. Additionally, these switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The feel of the Semi Mute switches stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. In summary, both the Quinn and Semi Mute switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, although the Quinn provides a more vibrant and bouncy tactile feel, while the Semi Mute offers a milder and more gentle typing experience.

Taking into account the available information, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and KTT Semi Mute linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Quinn excels in providing a deep and resonant sound profile, offering a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant auditory experience. The feel of the Quinn is characterized by its snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy typing experience, providing a responsive and refined keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the Semi Mute focuses on a noise-free environment, offering a virtually silent operation. It provides a muted and neutral sound profile and a buttery and mild typing experience. While the Quinn and Semi Mute switches differ in their sound and feel, they both offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Depending on individual preferences and the desired typing environment, users can choose between the vibrant and immersive qualities of the Quinn or the quiet and gentle qualities of the Semi Mute.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values a noise-free environment and desires undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, then the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is an excellent choice for you. These switches feature a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, providing a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, they offer a medium actuation force that is suitable for most users. The Semi Mute switches are known for their completely silent operation, despite being named "Semi Mute." They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making them perfect for environments where noise is a concern.

On the other hand, if you prefer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy actuation force. The Quinn switches are characterized by a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump that enhances your typing experience. The specially designed nylon housings contribute to the rich and immersive sound produced by these switches. Expect a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound can be described as clacky, low-pitched, and resonant.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch boils down to your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you prioritize a noise-free environment and a smooth, gentle typing experience, then the Semi Mute switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique sound profile and a responsive feel, then the Quinn switches will meet your expectations. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, so consider your typing preferences and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more