Gateron Quinn vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Quinn and the TTC Speed Silver. The Quinn switch is best known for its unique combination of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users can expect a precise and clean tactile bump, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is known for its focus on speed and precision. These switches have a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, they allow for quick and effortless actuation. Overall, both switches offer their own advantages, with the Quinn excelling in tactile feedback and sound, while the Speed Silver prioritizes speed and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver have contrasting housing materials that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Speed Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound. This is especially beneficial for users planning to use RGB lighting, as the translucent polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon materials. This classic switch housing material also absorbs sound effectively due to its soft nature. Consequently, both the Quinn and the Speed Silver offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, contributing to a consistent audio experience across both switches.
However, it's important to note that the impact of the housing materials varies depending on which part of the switch is being pressed. When depressing the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound experienced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Quinn and Speed Silver share similar bottom housing materials, the contrasting qualities of their top housings will result in subtle differences in sound profiles between the two switches.
Overall, the Gateron Quinn's nylon housing materials create a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a duller and rounder sound when typing. Meanwhile, the TTC Speed Silver's polycarbonate housing materials deliver a sharper and higher-pitched sound, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the keystrokes. Despite their differences, both switches provide a reliable and consistent typing experience, thanks to the absorption properties of the nylon bottom housing found in both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Quinn has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams, compared to the Speed Silver's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Quinn requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Quinn also has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Speed Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Quinn provides a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, whereas the Speed Silver offers a lighter touch.
However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium weight range, making them suitable for most typists and gamers. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Speed Silver would be the better choice, allowing you to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and enjoy the satisfaction of a heavier keystroke, the Quinn would be the better option for you.
In either case, it is essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in providing the desired typing experience, whether it be a lighter touch or a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable keypress experience with their equal travel distances. Whether you choose the Quinn or the Speed Silver, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on the keys.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 stands out with its deep and resonant profile. These switches offer a bassy sound that adds character to the typing experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and immersive, creating an auditory experience that is pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, neither too loud nor too soft. While it may not have the same depth and richness as the Quinn switch, the Speed Silver switch provides a moderate sound that is suitable for most users. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a range of descriptors that define its tactile experience. These switches are described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. The typing experience with the Quinn switch is responsive and lively due to its longer or dual-staged springs. The key travel is smooth and refined, providing reduced friction and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is described as mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While it may not have the same level of accentuated tactility as the Quinn switch, the Speed Silver switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Quinn switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with crisp tactility. The typing experience is snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience. While the Quinn switch may offer a more immersive auditory experience and a more pronounced tactile feel, the Speed Silver switch provides a fast, precise, and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing speed. However, if you are seeking a similar sound or feel in either switch, you can expect to achieve comparable results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Quinn switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Speed Silver has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams.
If you value a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch is the way to go. You can expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience. The Quinn switch is described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant in terms of sound.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience, the Speed Silver switch is the better choice. These switches have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. They are described as neutral in terms of sound, making them suitable for various purposes. Additionally, both the Quinn and Speed Silver switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Quinn and Speed Silver switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider what factors are most important to you in order to select the switch that will provide the best typing experience for your needs.
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