Outemu Tom vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Quinn, also a tactile switch. The Tom switch is well-known for its unique qualities, while the Quinn switch stands out for its crisp, light tactility and deep, resonant sound profile. The Tom switch offers a certain characteristic, while the Quinn switch provides users with a rich and immersive typing experience. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the Quinn switch is noted for its precise and crisp tactile bump, giving it a unique feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Tom and the Gateron Quinn both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is consistent across both switches, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Outemu Tom features a polycarbonate housing while the Gateron Quinn utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Tom creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its stiffness, polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Quinn provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. This difference in materials highlights a distinction in sound experience between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Outemu Tom's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it suitable for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn's nylon housing is a classic option with a more traditional appearance. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, the choice between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound tone, typing experience, and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that the Quinn requires a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Tom's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Quinn is 67 grams, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Quinn switch is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tom switch would be more suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Quinn switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Tom being slightly shorter than the Quinn. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may find the Tom more appealing due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Quinn with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer similar performance in terms of travel distance, providing users with a tactile typing experience that meets their individual preferences.
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 Outemu Tom comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Tom switch is known for being relatively quiet, with a subtle and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch is praised for its deep and resonant sound, offering users a more immersive auditory experience. The Quinn switch's nylon housing enhances the sound, giving it a crisp and rich tone with each keystroke, making typing a more engaging and satisfying experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Tom switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, so it may offer a standard tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch is described as having a variety of tactile qualities such as being snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. These descriptors suggest that the Quinn switch provides users with a smooth, responsive, and lively typing experience, with a good balance of tactility without being too overwhelming.
Overall, the Gateron Quinn switch seems to offer a more unique and enhanced typing experience compared to the Outemu Tom switch. While the Tom switch may provide a standard tactile and quiet typing experience, the Quinn switch stands out with its deep and resonant sound profile, as well as a variety of tactile qualities that contribute to a more engaging and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Tom or the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you prefer a lighter touch and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Tom may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial keypress and a unique sound profile with each keystroke, the Gateron Quinn may be the way to go. Both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of feel and sound, so it's important to weigh these factors based on your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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