Gateron Quinn vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and the Durock White Lotus are both popular choices for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Gateron Quinn switches are renowned for their crisp and light tactility, offering a satisfying keystroke that is accompanied by a deep and resonant sound profile. With their specially designed nylon housings, these switches provide a unique combination of tactile feedback and immersive audio, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind. These switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, their removable light column allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to any keyboard setup. Now that we have touched upon the general characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the Durock White Lotus differ in their housing materials, with the Quinn featuring a nylon top housing while the White Lotus has a modified PC and UPE blend top housing. The nylon top housing of the Quinn gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Quinn. In contrast, the modified PC and UPE blend top housing of the White Lotus provides a unique and premium feel to the switches. While both housing materials offer their own distinct qualities, they ultimately contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience by providing satisfying sound profiles.
Similarly, the Quinn and White Lotus have nylon bottom housings, which share similar characteristics as their respective top housings. The nylon material used in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and superior sound absorption compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on either switch. Consequently, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. The consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Quinn and White Lotus, they both play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their different materials, both housings aim to enhance the typing experience by providing unique sound profiles. Whether it is the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Quinn or the premium feel derived from the modified PC and UPE blend housing of the White Lotus, both switches deliver satisfying results to keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that there are differences in their weights. The Quinn has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the White Lotus's lighter 46 grams. Similarly, the Quinn also has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the White Lotus's 56 grams. These weight variations indicate that the Quinn can provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the White Lotus offers a lighter touch for longer typing periods.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the White Lotus would be the ideal choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This would allow for comfortable typing during extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Quinn's heavier actuation and bottom out forces make it suitable for individuals who enjoy a more robust typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel.
It is worth noting that while the Quinn and White Lotus have different actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium-weight range. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the White Lotus falls within the more commonly seen range of 4.0 mm, while the Quinn provides a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances like the Quinn. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke depth may find the longer travel distance of the White Lotus to be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 offers a deep and resonant profile. These switches produce a bassy sound that adds character to the typing experience. The sound can be described as clacky, with a crisp and bright percussive quality. This switch also has a low-pitched tone, which enhances the overall richness and mellow feel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provides a low-pitched sound profile. The sound is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is a neutral switch, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. Please note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a range of qualities. These switches are known for being snappy and polished. Snappy switches are highly responsive, providing a lively typing experience. The polished finish ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Quinn switch is also described as bouncy and accented, providing a spring-like feedback and a medium amount of tactility. Furthermore, it has a buttery and creamy typing sensation, allowing for seamless and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance and sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Quinn switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a crisp and clacky tone, while the White Lotus switch has a low-pitched sound profile that is suitable for shared spaces. When it comes to feel, the Quinn switch offers snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy sensations for a lively and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel that is low-impact and approachable. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying tactile experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences for the bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Quinn with 67 grams would be suitable for you. It offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The Quinn switches have a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound, and they are described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy in terms of feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the White Lotus with 56 grams would be a good choice. It is designed for a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. The feel of the White Lotus switches is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle.
Ultimately, the choice between the Quinn and the White Lotus depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy or medium-light bottom out force, and whether you prefer a switch with a deeper, resonant sound profile or a low-pitched, neutral sound. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a switch with a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel, or an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision on which switch will best suit your typing needs.
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