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Gateron Quinn vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear

An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, a linear switch. These switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Quinn switches are widely celebrated for their crisp and light tactility, which adds a unique character to the typing experience. With their specially designed nylon housings, these switches produce a deep and resonant sound profile, creating an immersive and satisfying atmosphere while typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque excel in providing a tranquil and precise typing experience ideal for office environments. By ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, these switches reduce switch noise significantly without relying on silicone dampeners. This innovative feature ensures a seamless blend of tranquility and precision during each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

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

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

15mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear share many similarities. Both switches utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic compared to harder materials, such as ABS or polycarbonate, absorbs more sound, creating a dulled and rounded sound. This characteristic of nylon creates a more pleasant typing experience for users who prefer a softer and quieter sound.

However, despite these similarities, there may still be some differences between the two switches' housing materials. While the descriptions mention nylon as the material for both top and bottom housing, it's possible that the composition or formulation of the nylon used could vary between the two switches. Even minor differences in the nylon can affect the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when pressed. It would be necessary to perform a detailed analysis or comparison of the physical properties of the nylon in each switch to determine any potential variations.

Moreover, the impact of the housing materials may also be different depending on which part of the switch you focus on. The bottom housing of a switch plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even if the housing materials are the same for both switches, the experience of typing on the Quinn and WS Silent Linear may differ slightly due to the distribution of the housing material's effects on the switch's sound and feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches share nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, minor variations in the composition or formulation of nylon could lead to subtle differences between the two switches. Additionally, the impact of the housing material may vary depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing, influencing the sound and feel when pressing or releasing a key. Overall, while there may be similarities in the housing materials, it is essential to consider these factors when comparing the experiences of typing on the Gateron Quinn and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, but its bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Despite not knowing the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear, it can be inferred that it is likely similar to or lighter than the Quinn, as the bottom out force is slightly lower.

The weight of a switch is an important factor for many individuals, as it can directly impact typing comfort and endurance. Some prefer lighter switches, like the WS Silent Linear, as this allows for longer periods of typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Alternatively, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the Quinn. These individuals appreciate the stronger push feel and the added feedback it provides.

Overall, both the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch fall within the medium-heavy range in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. While the specific actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, its lower bottom out force suggests that it may be lighter or similar to the Quinn. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking to achieve.

Travel distance

The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can still have an impact on the typing experience. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower end. However, with the rise in popularity of gaming keyboards, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive typing, the Gateron Quinn switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or unsatisfying. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be preferred. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.

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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 is best known for its deep and resonant profile. The specially designed nylon housings create a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. It can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. The WS Silent Linear switch by Wuque, on the other hand, offers a more neutral and muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound can be described as neutral, muted, and subdued. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a variety of sensations. It can be described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. These descriptors indicate that the switch is responsive, smooth, and provides a spring-like feedback without being overwhelming or scratchy. The typing experience is seamless, effortless, and uniform. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch provides a more mild and gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users.

In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a range of tactile sensations that are snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch offers a more neutral and muted sound profile, with a mild and gentle typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and can cater to different preferences. It is essential to consider personal preferences, keyboard construction, and keycap choices to determine the best switch for an individual's needs.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering the choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Quinn switches are the way to go. With their specially designed nylon housings, they offer a precise and clean tactile bump accompanied by a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and tranquil work environment without sacrificing responsiveness, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque are an excellent choice. Their ingeniously designed stem railings reduce switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is both silent and precise. Additionally, their mild characteristics make them approachable for most users. In the end, it's important to choose the switch that aligns with your sound preferences and desired typing experience. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different needs, so be sure to consider your preferences and use case when making your decision.

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