Gateron Quinn vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, stands out with its unique blend of crisp tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound profile, making every keystroke an immersive experience. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy pronounced tactile bumps and the satisfying sounds that come with them, enhancing the overall character of their typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, a linear switch, offers a smooth and consistent keypress without the tactile feedback, featuring an extended 3.85mm travel distance. This switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience while still enjoying the signature clack associated with HMX switches. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you favor the robust auditory feedback of the Quinn or the fluidity of the Twilight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Twilight switches, one notable factor stands out: both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice of material ensures that both switches produce a distinctly deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, has superior sound dampening qualities compared to harder plastics, which allows both the Quinn and Twilight to generate a rounder and less sharp auditory feedback when typing. The similar material composition leads to a consistent performance in key feel and acoustic characteristics, providing users with a comparable typing experience in terms of sound absorption and tone.
In terms of structural characteristics, the nylon used in both the Gateron Quinn and HMX Twilight switches further enhances the typing experience by minimizing vibrations during use. This is particularly important as both switches feature the same type of bottom housing, which typically dictates the bottom-out sound and feel. As users press the keys, the nylon bottom housing creates a satisfying impact that contributes to an overall pleasant typing session. The similarity in materials allows for a cohesive sound profile across both brands, making them appealing to users who prioritize an enjoyable auditory and tactile experience while typing.
Although the housing components of the Gateron Quinn and HMX Twilight are the same, it's worth noting that if there were any variations in their constructions, the qualities of the switches would be affected accordingly. Differences in material choice can create distinctions in sound and feel; however, the nylon utilized in both switches minimizes those potential variances. In this case, the profound similarities in housing materials ensure that users will experience comparable performance across both switches, allowing them to choose between the two based on other factors such as design or brand preference rather than material differences.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Quinn features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Twilight is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, might gravitate towards the HMX Twilight. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile feedback during their typing will likely favor the heavier Gateron Quinn. Ultimately, while both switches serve their purposes effectively, the Quinn’s medium-heavy forces provide a firmer feel compared to the light and more nimble response of the Twilight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. In this comparison, the Quinn's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, offering the advantage of speed with each keypress. Conversely, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance provides a more substantial depth, which some users might find more comfortable for typing and overall keyboard feel. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Gateron Quinn would be the better choice, while the HMX Twilight may suit those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 delivers a deep, resonant auditory experience characterized by a rich bass profile that enhances the overall typing ambiance. It combines elements of warmth with sharpness, producing a unique blend of clackiness and low-pitched sonority that stands out during each keystroke. The use of specially designed nylon housings further amplifies this immersive quality, creating a soundscape that is both rich and satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a slightly quieter sound profile due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which leads to a less pronounced auditory response. While the exact sound characteristics of the Twilight aren't elaborated upon, it’s generally understood to maintain the signature clacky traits associated with HMX switches, albeit in a more subdued manner compared to the Quinn.
When it comes to feel, the Quinn excels with a tactile sensation that is both snappy and polished. Users benefit from the responsive nature of the switch, which leads to a lively typing experience with an accented tactile bump that isn’t overwhelming. The combination of smooth finishes and refined mechanics results in reduced friction and enhanced key travel, making each keystroke feel fluid and effortless. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch are not specified, leaving an unknown variable in the equation. Typically, linear switches provide a continuous and unbroken keystroke experience, but without additional descriptors available for Twilight, a direct comparison cannot be made.
In summary, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is distinguished by its rich, bass-heavy sound and a snappy, polished feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a lively typing experience. The HMX Twilight linear switch, while potentially quieter, lacks detailed descriptors that would facilitate further comparison. While both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, the Quinn’s characteristics lead to a more dynamic engagement, especially for those who prioritize sound and tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile and immersive typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Quinn's 67g bottom-out force combined with its snappy and polished tactile feedback will enhance your interactions, especially when typing lengthy documents or enjoying the satisfying sound when gaming. Its unique bassy and resonant characteristics can add a delightful auditory layer to your typing, making it a compelling choice for users who appreciate a rich sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and smoother keystrokes, the 50g bottom-out force of the Twilight switch caters to those who desire speed and subtlety. The Twilight's extended travel distance provides a quieter, buttery typing experience, ideal for environments where noise might be a concern, or for activities like coding and writing where no tactile feedback is a benefit. Ultimately, weigh your priorities between tactile feedback and sound, as this will guide you to the switch that best complements your typing style and environment.
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