Gateron Quinn vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch. The Quinn switches offer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users are greeted with a rich and immersive sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Reds are all about delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are perfect for office or shared living space use. The switch has a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Gateron Quinn and TTC Silent Red switches have different housing materials for both their top and bottom parts. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Red has a polycarbonate top housing. In terms of sound profile, the Quinn's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, resulting from its stiffer plastic composition. If you are looking for a switch that provides a more dull and round sound, the Quinn would be the better choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a clear housing for RGB lighting purposes, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing is ideal.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Quinn and the Silent Red utilize nylon material. As a classic switch housing material, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing, similar to its impact on the top housing. Its relatively softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, thus creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Although the bottom housing may not have as much influence on the sound when letting go of a key, it plays a significant role when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, both switches will yield a similar result in terms of the bottom-out experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing material.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn and TTC Silent Red switches differ in their top housing materials, with the Quinn using nylon and the Silent Red featuring polycarbonate. While the Quinn's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. Meanwhile, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material, resulting in a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a switch with a deeper and duller sound (Quinn) or a switch with a sharper and clearer sound, especially for RGB lighting (Silent Red).
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has an actuation force of 59 grams, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Quinn. Both switches have a bottom out force, which measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. The Quinn has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Therefore, the Quinn is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Silent Red.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch, like the Silent Red, as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This makes it ideal for keyboards used for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer a switch with a heavier force, such as the Quinn. The medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces of both switches provide a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback. Overall, while the Silent Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces for those seeking a medium-heavy experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of comparison, the Quinn has a shorter travel distance than the Silent Red. The Quinn's 3.4 mm offers a slightly shallower key press experience compared to the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Silent Red. As mentioned earlier, shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Quinn a potential choice for gamers looking for quick and responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Red may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but both switches offer their own advantages and can deliver different typing experiences.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 rich and immersive sounds. Described as both bassy and resonant, these switches produce a deeper and mellow tone, resembling the depth associated with bass tones. The Quinn switches also have a crisp and clacky sound, with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed to minimize noise and create a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. In general, the Gateron Quinn switches will provide a more distinctive and immersive auditory experience, while the TTC Silent Red switches are ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers several qualities that enhance the typing experience. These switches are described as snappy and polished, providing a super-responsive and smooth typing experience. The polished finish, either through materials used or factory lubing, reduces friction and ensures a sleek key travel. The Quinn switches are also known for being bouncy and accented, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a medium amount of tactility. Furthermore, they are described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
Similarly, the TTC Silent Red linear switch also possesses qualities that enhance the typing feel. Described as buttery and polished, these switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. They are also labeled as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Silent Red switches fall in a safe middle-ground zone, making their qualities approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switches provide a rich and immersive sound with crisp tactility, while the Silent Red switches offer a muted sound profile ideal for quiet environments. In terms of feel, the Quinn switches offer a snappy, bouncy, and buttery typing experience, while the Silent Red switches provide a buttery and polished feel with a mild typing experience. Overall, both switches offer their unique advantages, allowing users to choose based on their preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. The Quinn offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, you'll experience a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, accompanied by a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound. This switch is perfect if you enjoy a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience.
On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is ideal if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without disturbing noise. These switches have a muted sound profile, making them suitable for office or shared living space use. The Silent Red switch provides a smooth and consistent feel throughout, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. It offers a buttery and polished typing experience, ensuring a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is described as mild, making it approachable for most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you value a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound, the Quinn switch is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a buttery and polished feel, the Silent Red switch is the perfect choice. Consider your typing environment and preferred typing sensation to make an informed decision.
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