Gateron Quinn vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are plenty of options to choose from. Two popular switches that offer unique experiences are the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, a linear switch. The Quinn switches are best known for their crisp, light switch-like tactility and deep, resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches provides 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 Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. These switches have a medium-weight and a unique POM stem, providing a distinct gliding feel. The combination of a short travel distance and a long-pole stem ensures a sharp and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their housing materials, with the Quinn featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top and bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound due to the characteristics of their respective housing materials. The Quinn's nylon top housing, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing creates a relatively more muted sound on the deeper side. This means that if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, both options are likely to deliver similar results.
However, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the difference in housing materials can contribute to variations in the overall typing experience between the Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. It is worth considering personal preferences regarding the sound and feel of a switch when choosing between these two options.
Additionally, despite the differences in housing materials, both the Quinn and the Sunset Yellow offer pleasing and unique sounds. The nylon and POM materials each bring their own distinct characteristics to the switches, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. Whether you gravitate towards the absorbent nature of nylon or prefer the more muted sound profile of POM, both switches provide options that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preference and the specific qualities one is seeking in a housing material for their keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Quinn switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Quinn switch requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Quinn switch has a heavier force of 67 grams, while the Sunset Yellow is lighter at 51 grams. This signifies that the Quinn switch provides a more substantial typing experience overall, with a slightly harder initial push and a heavier force when fully pressed. However, if one prefers a lighter typing experience, where the keys are easier to actuate and bottom out with less force, then the Sunset Yellow switch would be a better choice. Both switches fall into the medium range, but the Quinn leans towards the heavier side while the Sunset Yellow is more on the lighter side. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences based on personal typing style and preference for tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Opting for the Quinn switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a bit more depth and a less abrupt feeling when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and quicker keystroke, the Sunset Yellow switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option. It ultimately depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter or slightly longer travel distance for their typing or gaming experience.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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, both the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer a deep and rich sound profile. They are both characterized as "bassy," meaning they produce a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Quinn switch is described as "clacky," producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, while the Sunset Yellow switch is described as "thocky," producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, both switches provide similar results in terms of sound with their own unique characteristics.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. They are both described as "creamy," which indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches achieve this through either factory lubrication or specific materials used. Additionally, both switches are described as having a "polished" finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Quinn switch is also described as "snappy" and "bouncy," providing a super responsive and lively feel, while the Sunset Yellow switch is described as "frictionless," offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Therefore, both switches offer a similar feel with their own unique qualities.
Overall, both the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provide an immersive typing experience with their distinct sound and feel. They both offer a deep and rich sound profile, with the Quinn switch having a "clacky" characteristic and the Sunset Yellow switch having a "thocky" characteristic. In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with the Quinn switch being described as "snappy" and "bouncy," while the Sunset Yellow switch is described as "frictionless." Depending on your preference for tactile feedback or linear switches, both options provide a high-quality typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're 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. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, you can expect a precise and clean tactile bump with each keypress. The specially designed nylon housings add to the immersive sound experience, giving your typing a touch of character. The Quinn is described as having a clacky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bassy tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a captivating sound, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be a perfect fit. With a medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams, these switches are suitable for a wide range of users. The POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a highly responsive typing experience. The Sunset Yellow is described as having a creamy and thocky sound profile, giving your typing a rich and decadent sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sunset Yellow depends on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize a crisp tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound, the Quinn is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a captivating sound, the Sunset Yellow is the perfect choice. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make the decision that will enhance your typing experience. Happy typing!
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