Gateron Quinn vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and Aflion Thunder Shadow both stand out in the tactile switch category. The Quinn is renowned for its crisp, light tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, making each keystroke a rich and immersive experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion offers a pronounced tactile bump with a medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature. While the Quinn provides a unique combination of characteristics such as bassy and clacky, the Thunder Shadow strikes a harmonious balance of invigorating and neutral attributes. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both use different housing materials for their switches, with the Quinn featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Thunder Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Quinn creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Thunder Shadow produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Quinn and Thunder Shadow feature a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effect of the nylon top housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact its sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Quinn and Thunder Shadow have different top housing materials, their nylon bottom housings provide a similar deep and full sound profile due to nylon's absorbent nature. Whether nylon or polycarbonate, each material offers unique qualities that can affect how a switch sounds and feels when utilized in a keyboard. Choosing between the Gateron Quinn and the Aflion Thunder Shadow may come down to personal preference for sound and typing experience based on the differences in their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Quinn at 67 grams and the Thunder Shadow at 63.5 grams. In terms of weight, the Quinn is slightly heavier overall. The actuation force is important for the initial typing feel, while the bottom out force comes into play when pressing the key all the way down. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, which provides a balance between typing comfort and a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal 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 Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the Thunder Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Quinn. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference for the specific feel and response desired in a keyboard switch.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a bassy and clacky auditory experience that enhances the typing sensation. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, suitable for various typing preferences and environments. While the Quinn delivers a rich and immersive sound with each keystroke, the Thunder Shadow maintains a harmonious balance with its moderate sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can complement different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a personalized auditory experience for users.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is praised for its snappy and polished typing experience, providing a lively and refined feel with each key press. The switch is described as bouncy, with an accented tactility that offers a balance between responsiveness and smoothness. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is noted for its invigorating feel, featuring pronounced feedback and a reactive sensation that creates an immersive typing experience. While the Quinn offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, the Thunder Shadow delivers a firm actuation force and snappy feel that caters to users seeking a more responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a snappy and polished typing experience, ideal for users looking for a rich auditory and tactile feedback. Alternatively, the Thunder Shadow offers a neutral sound signature and an invigorating feel, catering to those seeking a balanced and responsive typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a deep, resonant sound profile with a crisp tactile bump, the Quinn switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature and an invigorating typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Thunder Shadow switches may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most, whether it be a rich sound profile or a responsive feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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