KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Quinn, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both noticeable and comfortable. It combines a light touch with a crisp actuation, offering a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out for its unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The specially designed nylon housings contribute to the rich and immersive sound that accompanies each keystroke. Both switches offer a precise and clean tactile bump, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of these switches to better determine which one would best suit your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Quinn both have different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness and clear translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials play a significant role in the sound production of the switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and Quinn employ nylon as the housing material. This common choice brings similarities in terms of sound production. The nylon bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile of the switches, giving them a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Its properties as a softer plastic allow it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a dulled and rounded sound. Whether it's the Ash Gray or Quinn, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a satisfying typing experience with its impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Ash Gray and Quinn, their impact on sound production remains notable. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound created when releasing a key. The Ash Gray's stiffer polycarbonate top housing produces a clear and resonant sound when keys are released, emphasizing its sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the softer nylon top housing of the Quinn absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when keys are released. Despite these distinctions, both switches deliver satisfying sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Ash Gray switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with a slight push. Additionally, its bottom out force of 53 grams is also relatively light, providing a comfortable typing experience without exerting too much pressure.
On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, requiring a slightly stronger push to register a keypress. This heavier actuation gives a more substantial typing feel, which might be preferred by individuals seeking a tactile response that requires a bit more effort. Similarly, the Quinn switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, ensuring a more solid and satisfying typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch. This lighter force may be advantageous for users who prefer a gentler typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Quinn switch cater to those who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide satisfactory results, but with different levels of force required.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. These distances are relatively close, so you can expect similar results when using either switch. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the traditional travel distance range, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Quinn with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Ash Gray with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a quicker response or a more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using the switch at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a range of sound profiles, including being bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. This means that the Quinn switch provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It also produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, and has a higher-pitched and immersive sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as being easy-to-press and providing a gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate and offers a responsive and low-impact typing feel. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It is also described as having a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a range of feel descriptors, including being snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. This means that the Quinn switch is super responsive, offers a smooth and refined typing experience, provides spring-like or elastic feedback, offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, provides a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, and offers a silky sensation that feels like gliding across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray switch is best known for its light touch, crisp actuation, and a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming. It offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. It provides a range of sound profiles and a variety of feel characteristics, resulting in a rich and immersive typing experience. While both switches have their own distinct qualities, if you are looking for a similar experience, the Quinn switch can provide a comparable level of tactile feedback and typing feel to the Ash Gray switch, while offering a different range of sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be the right choice for you. It offers an easy-to-press feel that requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch has a neutral profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be the better option. The Quinn switch provides a snappy and polished feel, offering a responsive and lively typing experience. Its sound profile can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, adding character and immersion to your typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Ash Gray and Quinn switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, and sound profile.
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