Gateron Quinn vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, a linear switch. The Quinn switch is celebrated for its unique blend of tactile feedback and delightfully resonant sound, courtesy of its specially designed nylon housing. This switch offers a crisp tactile bump with a rich and immersive typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feel with a touch of character. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° sets itself apart with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a noise-reducing soft, elastic feel perfect for silent typing. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, delving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you determine which one best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Quinn uses a nylon top housing, while the Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Zero Degree 0° produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Quinn. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Although the bottom housings of the Quinn and the Zero Degree 0° are both made of nylon and offer similar sound profiles, the top housings provide a noticeable difference in sound. The softer nylon top housing of the Quinn absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Zero Degree 0° creates a clearer and more resonant sound. This distinction in materials showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound experience of a switch. While both switches may have a similar feel when typing due to the nylon bottom housings, the top housing material plays a key role in the sound produced by each switch.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches highlights how each component affects the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon in the Quinn or Zero Degree 0°, will influence the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material, either nylon in the Quinn or polycarbonate in the Zero Degree 0°, will impact the sound when releasing a key. This division in housing materials allows for a nuanced sound profile that combines the characteristics of both materials in each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° will depend on personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Quinn also has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Zero Degree 0° has an unknown bottom out force. The Quinn offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° provides a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force, which may be preferred by users looking for a switch that allows them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. In terms of weight, these switches offer different options to cater to different preferences, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Zero Degree switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Quinn switch. Both switches fall in the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Quinn switch more to their liking due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the feel of the keypress.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 characterized as having a deep, resonant, and bassy sound profile that provides an immersive typing experience. Each keystroke on the Quinn switch produces a crisp and clacky sound that adds a touch of character to the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is known for its silent typing experience, absorbing sound and reducing noise with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. The sound of the Zero Degree 0° switch is not explicitly described, but it can be inferred that it offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Quinn due to its noise-reducing properties.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, indicating a responsive, smooth, and fluid typing experience with a prominent tactile bump that is not overwhelming. The keys on the Quinn switch provide a lively and rebounding feel, giving users a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is not explicitly described. However, based on its self-padding design and smoothness, it can be assumed that the Zero Degree 0° switch offers a soft and elastic feel that absorbs sound and provides stability during typing.
Overall, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switch provides a rich, immersive, and character-filled typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound profile, while the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on silent typing with smoothness, stability, and noise reduction. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience, whether you prefer a more tactile and resonant feel or a quieter and smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences regarding tactile feedback, sound profile, and bottom out force. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, deep sound profile, the Quinn switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience with an unknown bottom out force and innovative self-padding design, the Zero Degree 0° switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your preferences.
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