Gateron Quinn vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Wine Red. The Quinn is best known for offering a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With its specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke on the Quinn delivers a rich and immersive sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches provide a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While both switches have their own distinct qualities, the Quinn is often described as snappy, bassy, polished, bouncy, clacky, accented, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and resonant, while the Wine Red is primarily categorized as bassy and low-pitched. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the KTT Wine Red switches have distinct differences in terms of their sound profiles and properties. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Wine Red boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is especially advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting because of its translucency. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Quinn delivering a duller and rounder sound, while the Wine Red produces a crisper and clearer sound.
Similarly, the differences between the nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings of the Quinn and the Wine Red significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Quinn contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. The relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Wine Red adds to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The relatively stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of keystrokes, creating a more pronounced sound experience. Ultimately, the bottom housing of each switch plays a prominent role in the overall sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
It is important to note that the difference in housing materials between the top and bottom sections of a switch affects the qualities experienced during typing. With the Quinn and the Wine Red, where the top and bottom housings differ, the sound profiles of both materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's qualities become evident, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This separation enables a more nuanced and dynamic typing experience, as the combination of different housing materials provides a range of tactile and audible sensations throughout the keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Quinn has a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Wine Red's lighter actuation force of 44 grams. This means that the Quinn switch requires a slightly firmer push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Quinn has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Wine Red's bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Quinn switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for longer periods of time, the Wine Red switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for more comfortable and effortless typing. Conversely, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more satisfying tactile feedback would lean towards the Quinn switch. The higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a more robust and pronounced typing experience.
Overall, the Quinn switch can be considered heavier in terms of force required compared to the Wine Red switch. However, it's important to note that both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to individual preferences. Whether opting for a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force, these switches provide varied options for individuals seeking their preferred typing feel in their keyboards.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is clear that the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wine Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Quinn falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is often favored by gamers who seek faster response times. On the other hand, the Wine Red offers a greater depth in travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both options provide distinct experiences, catering to different preferences. Therefore, if you desire a switch with a shorter travel distance for enhanced responsiveness, the Quinn would be the suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a deeper key press sensation, the Wine Red would be the appropriate option.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 deep and resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users can expect a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The sound is described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. These qualities create a clean and sharp sound profile that enhances the auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch has limited information available regarding its sound profile. However, based on the description provided, it offers a deep and rich sound profile similar to the Quinn switch. Both switches are characterized as bassy, which means they both have a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Therefore, while the specific sound characteristics of the Wine Red switch are unknown, it is expected to provide a similar immersive sound experience as the Quinn switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a variety of characteristics that enhance the typing experience. It is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. These descriptors indicate a switch that is highly responsive, smooth, and provides a spring-like feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on the Quinn switch is compared to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, resulting in a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, limited information is available about the feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. Therefore, it is unknown how the switch feels in terms of smoothness, responsiveness, or feedback. However, given its satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, it can be assumed that the Wine Red switch may offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience similar to the Quinn switch.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have their unique qualities. The Quinn switch stands out with its crisp, light switch-like tactility, deep resonant sound profile, and various feel characteristics such as snappiness, smoothness, and bounciness. The Wine Red switch, on the other hand, offers a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While specific details about the sound and feel of the Wine Red switch are unknown, based on the shared characteristics such as a bassy sound profile, it is likely to provide a similar immersive sound and enjoyable typing experience as the Quinn switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep sound profile, then the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the way to go. These Quinn switches offer a precise and clean tactile bump, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience. With their specially designed nylon housings, you can expect a satisfyingly deep and resonant sound with each keystroke.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and a pillowy light type switch, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is a great choice. With a medium-light bottom out force, these Wine Red switches provide a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile that adds to the typing experience.
In terms of sound, both switches offer a bassy character, but the Quinn switch also has clacky, low-pitched, and resonant qualities. The Wine Red switch, on the other hand, is described as having a low-pitched sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Quinn switch offers snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy sensations. These switches are super responsive, smooth, and provide a spring-like feedback. The Wine Red switch, unfortunately, does not have any specific descriptors for its feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a unique combination of crisp tactility, a deep sound profile, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, go for the Quinn switch. If you prefer a lighter typing feel, a deep and rich sound profile, and a medium-light bottom out force, opt for the Wine Red switch. Consider your desired sound and feel, and make your decision accordingly.
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