Gateron Quinn vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the SP-Star Yanyu 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 and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Quinn switch is well-known for its unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With a specially designed nylon housing, every keystroke with the Quinn switch offers a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is perfect for those who prefer a more delicate typing experience or find themselves typing for long periods of time. The Yanyu's material blend provides a crisp sound profile. While the Quinn switch offers a snappy, bassy, and polished feel, the Yanyu switch is more neutral, mild, and subtle. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Quinn utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its blend, offering a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. This indicates that the Yanyu may produce a slightly sharper and crisper sound compared to the Quinn.
In terms of the impact on the typing experience, the Quinn's nylon bottom housing plays a significant role. It contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Since nylon absorbs more sound, the bottom-out experience on the Quinn may feel softer and less pronounced. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing may result in a different bottom-out experience. While it is not explicitly described, the unique blend could potentially offer a distinct tactile sensation and audible feedback when pressing down on the Yanyu switch.
When it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing material becomes more influential. The nylon top housing of the Quinn creates a sound profile that is likely to be deeper and fuller, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Conversely, the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing may produce a slightly brighter sound. It is important to note that both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, albeit with subtle differences. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a satisfying sound when letting go of a key, both the Quinn and the Yanyu can provide similar results, albeit with their own unique characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences. The Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Quinn requires 67 grams of force, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it lighter in comparison.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Yanyu would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals who use their keyboard extensively at work or during prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, the Quinn's heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel when pressing down on keys.
It is important to consider personal preferences when selecting a switch, as weight can greatly impact typing comfort and overall user experience. Both switches provide distinct advantages, and individuals should choose the one that best aligns with their typing style and desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their distances. The Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Yanyu has a more traditional travel distance, while the Quinn offers a slightly shorter travel distance.
In terms of preferences, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Quinn with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more satisfying tactile feedback and deeper key presses, the Yanyu with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 unique combination of qualities. Its nylon housing design creates a deep and resonant sound profile, giving each keystroke a rich and immersive tone. The Quinn switches can be described as bassy, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness of bass tones. Additionally, they have a clacky sound, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. The sound profile is also low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, typing on the Quinn switches provides a precise, clean, and crisp sound experience.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a more delicate sound profile. While specific details about the sound qualities of the Yanyu are unknown, it is described as having a crisp sound profile. This suggests that the sound produced by the Yanyu switches will have a clean and sharp tone, although the exact characteristics remain undisclosed.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers several interesting qualities. It is known for being snappy, which means it provides a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is often attributed to longer or dual-staged springs in the switch. The Quinn switches also have a polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. Moreover, the Quinn switches can be described as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. They provide a lively feel that gives rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Quinn switches can be considered accented, meaning they offer a medium amount of tactility that is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle. Lastly, they are often described as buttery or creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a mild feel. This suggests that the typing experience with these switches will be more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Yanyu switches are also mentioned as having a feathery feel, meaning they are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. Like the Quinn switches, the Yanyu switches also possess a polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Yanyu switches are described as having a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel without being feather-light. The sound signature of the Yanyu switches is mentioned as not being resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switches provide a deep and resonant sound profile, characterized by bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant qualities. On the other hand, the specific sound qualities of the Yanyu switches are unknown, although they are described as having a crisp sound profile. In terms of feel, the Quinn switches offer a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy typing experience. Meanwhile, the Yanyu switches have a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. While the switches may differ in their qualities, both provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a deep and resonant sound profile, then the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches 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 prefer a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 43 grams and are aiming for a more delicate typing experience, especially for long periods of time, then the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be the ideal option. The Yanyu's material blend provides a crisp sound profile, and its gentle typing feel, combined with reduced finger fatigue, makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Whether you prioritize a deep and resonant sound or a gentle and feather-light typing feel, there is a suitable mechanical keyboard switch for you based on your preferences and needs.
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