Gateron Quinn vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and Gateron Smoothie stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts. The Quinn is a tactile switch that boasts a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile due to its specially designed nylon housings. Typing on the Quinn offers a rich and immersive experience with precise and clean tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie is a linear switch that is all-POM, delivering a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Quinn is known for its crisp tactility, the Smoothie focuses on smoothness and a distinct sound profile. Both switches offer a buttery feel, but the Quinn leans towards being more clacky and resonant, while the Smoothie has a subdued and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Quinn and Smoothie depends on personal preferences in terms of tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Gateron Smoothie switch differ in terms of their top and bottom components. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie boasts a POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing deep sound that is relatively more muted compared to nylon. Despite the differences in top housing, both switches offer a similar depth in sound profile while each brings its own distinct characteristics to the table.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Quinn and Smoothie switches also differ in this aspect. The Quinn utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing to the overall deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch. Due to the softer nature of nylon, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Smoothie features a POM bottom housing, which adds to the unique sound profile of the switch with a deeper and more muted tone. Although the bottom housings of the Quinn and Smoothie switches differ, both materials contribute to creating a distinctive sound experience for the user.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Gateron Smoothie switches, it is important to note how each material affects the overall sound profile of the switch. The differences in top and bottom housing materials result in unique sound characteristics for each switch. The top housing, whether nylon or POM, plays a crucial role in determining the sound when key presses are released, while the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when keys are pressed down. Despite these variations, users can expect a fulfilling sound experience from either switch, with the Quinn offering a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing, while the Smoothie provides a distinctive and pleasing sound with its POM housing.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a significantly higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Quinn switch requires more force to initiate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Quinn switch also requires a heavier force of 67 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Smoothie switch. This suggests that the Quinn switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Smoothie switch offers a lighter typing experience with less force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Quinn. Both switches fall within the range of a shorter travel distance, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Quinn to be more satisfying due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a bassy and clacky typing experience that adds character to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky and subdued sound signature, giving off a satisfyingly smooth and low-pitched sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Quinn providing a more crisp and immersive sound, while the Smoothie delivers a more thocky and dampened tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, and buttery, giving users a tactile and responsive typing experience. The Smoothie linear switch, on the other hand, is also buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. Both switches offer a buttery and creamy feel, making them ideal for users seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a premium typing experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer the deep and resonant sound of the Quinn or the thocky and smooth sound of the Smoothie, both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a crisp, tactile typing experience with a deep, resonant sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Quinn switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch with an unknown bottom out force, the Smoothie switch is the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force will guide you in selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either the Quinn or Smoothie switches.
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