Gateron Quinn vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options available, each with its own unique qualities. Two popular tactile switches that are worth considering are the Gateron Quinn and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Gateron Quinn switches are best known for their crisp, light switch-like tactility and deep, resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches offers a rich and immersive experience, with each keystroke producing a precise and clean tactile bump. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish Whites provide a medium tactile feel, offering a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. Despite their tactile feedback, these switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them a perfect choice for office or shared living spaces. Both switches have their unique advantages - the Quinn for its distinctive sound and crisp tactility, and the Silent Bluish White for its quiet operation. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are quite different. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Quinn's nylon top housing, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing, being stiffer in nature, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Bluish White switch's top housing is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of aesthetics, the clear housing of the Silent Bluish White switch is more likely to be made of polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Quinn and the Silent Bluish White switches have nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound profile, the bottom housings of both switches would provide similar results.
It's important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the bottom and the top of the switch. Therefore, when pressing down on either the Quinn or the Silent Bluish White switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that there are notable differences between the two. The Quinn has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams, making the Quinn slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottom out force, the Quinn requires a force of 67 grams while the Silent Bluish White only requires 50 grams. This indicates that the Quinn provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Silent Bluish White offers a lighter touch. For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, the Silent Bluish White would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those desiring a more robust feel may find the Quinn to be more to their liking. In both cases, the actuation and bottom out forces dictate the overall feel and performance of the switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, who value faster response times, might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Quinn switch. The 3.4 mm travel distance provides a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keypress experience might find the longer travel distance of 3.5 mm in the Silent Bluish White switch more satisfying. The additional 0.1 mm can provide a slightly more substantial feel when using the keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter and more responsive travel distance or a longer and more substantial depth.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of a deep, resonant, and bassy sound profile. The sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Quinn switch produces a sharp and clacky sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The sound profile is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is designed to be as quiet as possible. It produces a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Bluish Whites minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. However, the exact sound produced by both switches is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, the Gateron Quinn provides a deep and resonant sound, while the TTC Silent Bluish White offers a quieter and more muted sound experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and provide a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump with each keystroke. The Quinn switches are best known for their rich and immersive sound, characterized by a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying level of resistance, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is worth considering. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is light and easy to actuate. Despite their medium tactility, the Silent Bluish Whites are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Their sound signature is described as muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn switches are snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. They offer a super responsive typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, along with a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a unique and immersive sound profile along with a medium-heavy tactile experience, the Quinn switches would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a quieter and lighter switch with a more gentle typing feel, the Silent Bluish Whites are a suitable option. Consider your typing style, noise preference, and desired level of tactile feedback when making your decision.
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