Gateron Quinn vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the HMX Swift, a linear switch. The Quinn switch is celebrated for its crisp and light tactility, coupled with a deep, resonant sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift switch offers a smoother and quieter typing experience with its delicate 42g actuation force and deeper sound profile. While the Quinn switch provides a satisfying tactile bump and immersive sound, the Swift switch stands out for its silky smoothness and ease of pressing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Swift utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a more satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
While both switches share the same nylon material for their housing, the specific design and construction of the Quinn and Swift may result in slightly different typing experiences. The placement of the nylon housing within the switch can affect the sound and feel of typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, subtle differences may be observed in the overall typing experience between the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Swift.
Overall, the similar use of nylon as the housing material for the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Swift ensures that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, creating a more enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether typing on the Quinn or the Swift, users can appreciate the classic switch housing material and the unique sound characteristics it brings to their typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. The Quinn also has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Swift's bottom out force is 50 grams. The Quinn provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Swift offers a lighter feel, ideal for those who prefer to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to a variety of preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Swift's 3.9 mm. The Quinn's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Swift's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Quinn offering a quicker, more responsive feel and the Swift providing a more pronounced keystroke.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant characteristics, providing a deep and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive. While the Quinn switch produces a richer and deeper sound, the Swift switch delivers a brighter and sharper tone. The sound experience of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard setup and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy typing experience. These qualities result in a smooth, refined, and responsive key press with a lively rebound and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. With minimal resistance and light actuation forces, the Swift switch provides a comfortable and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
Overall, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switch stands out for its deep and rich sound profile paired with a crisp tactile bump, while the Swift switch provides a smooth and delicate typing experience with a silky sensation. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the immersive sound of the Quinn switch or the gentle and effortless keystrokes of the Swift switch to enhance their overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility paired with a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a delicate 42g actuation force, the HMX Swift linear switch is the way to go. Each switch offers its own distinct characteristics in sound and feel, so your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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