Gateron Quinn vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, a linear switch. The Quinn switch is well-known for its unique combination of crisp, light tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, providing users with a rich and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers typists a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Acoustically, it delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Quinn switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Accented', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', 'Resonant', the Vanilla Ice Cream switch falls under the categories of 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Resonant'. When deciding between the two, consider whether you prefer a crisp tactile bump or a smooth linear feel, as well as the acoustics that best suit your typing style. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Quinn features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a proprietary KTT blend top housing that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In terms of bottom housing, the Quinn and Vanilla Ice Cream differ again, with the Quinn utilizing nylon for a duller and rounder sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing offers smoothness, clackiness, and durability due to its unique properties such as high wear resistance and shock resistance.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. The Quinn's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper sound that is absorbed and duller, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing produces a high-pitched and clacky sound for a different typing sensation. Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches also play a role in the overall sound and feel, with the Quinn's nylon bottom housing creating a fuller sound while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing offers smoothness, clackiness, and durability.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Quinn's nylon top and bottom housings provide a deeper, fuller sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top and POK bottom housing offer a high-pitched, clacky sound with exceptional durability and smoothness. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities that can enhance the user's typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Quinn has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Quinn requires 59 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 43 grams to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a light switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Vanilla Ice Cream make it more suitable for those looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier forces of the Quinn provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push sensation when typing. Ultimately, the weight difference between the two switches caters to the varied preferences of individuals seeking either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear 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 faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, and both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter travel distance with the Quinn or a slightly longer travel distance with the Vanilla Ice Cream.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a bassy and resonant experience, providing users with a deep and rich sound profile that enhances the typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, adding a sharp and percussive element to each keystroke. While both switches have a resonant sound quality, the Quinn leans towards a lower frequency range, giving a more bass-heavy tone, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a cleaner and sharper high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profiles and how it complements their typing style and environment.
When it comes to feel, both the Quinn tactile switch and the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch are described as providing a buttery and creamy typing experience. This suggests that they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, allowing users to glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys with a silky touch. The Quinn switch is also noted for its snappy and polished feel, giving a responsive and refined typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is praised for its smooth and creamy texture, reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Overall, both switches aim to provide a comfortable and pleasant typing feel, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize key feel and smoothness in their typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The Quinn provides a bassy and resonant sound experience, coupled with a snappy and polished typing feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound, combined with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and how these qualities align with the user's typing preferences. Both switches excel in offering a unique and immersive typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a tailored and satisfying keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique combination of light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile, go for the Quinn. The Quinn switch offers a crisp and clean tactile bump, along with a bassy and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its POK material construction, providing a buttery and creamy feel with a marbly and high-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value the tactile feedback and deep sound of the Quinn or the smoothness and high-pitched sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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