Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Mini i are two tactile switches each offering unique characteristics for keyboard enthusiasts. The Bamboo Green is praised for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, giving typists a satisfyingly tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i is known for its subtle tactility and lightweight feel, making it ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without disruptive noise. While the Bamboo Green leans towards a more pronounced and sharp tactile feel, the Mini i strikes a balance with a more gentle and neutral touch. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Mini i both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound profile. The Bamboo Green's PBT top housing provides a neutral sound profile that is neither overly sharp nor dull, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Mini i's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a rounder and duller sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a more robust typing sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches showcase similar characteristics that align with their respective top housing material. The Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing mirrors the qualities of the top housing, offering a neutral sound profile that complements the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Mini i's nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile created by its nylon top housing, creating a cohesive and consistent typing sound. This ensures that users will get consistent sound qualities across both the top and bottom of the switch, leading to a harmonious typing experience overall.
While the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Mini i differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch, they ultimately cater to different sound preferences. The Bamboo Green's PBT housing provides a more neutral and understated sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Mini i's nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound that is more pronounced, appealing to users who enjoy a more robust typing sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience and cater to a variety of sound preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch differ in weight, with the Bamboo Green having a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Mini i. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green is 43 grams, while the Mini i is 40 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green is 62 grams, whereas the Mini i is 50 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Mini i offers a lighter touch, making it more ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, as some may prefer the lighter feel of the Mini i for extended use, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Bamboo Green for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance compared to the Mini i. A 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper press feel, which some people may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, a 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a shorter, quicker press or a longer, more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 Everglide Bamboo Green switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each key press. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch presents a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between actuation force and sound intensity that is suitable for various typing environments. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Bamboo Green providing a more distinct and pronounced sound, while the Mini i offers a more subtle and muted typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is often described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, offering a tactile typing experience with a prominent feedback intensity and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, providing a gentle and responsive typing feel with minimal resistance and a lively rebound sensation. The decision between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch and the Gateron Mini i switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Bamboo Green provides a louder and more pronounced sound with a sharper tactile feedback, while the Mini i offers a quieter and gentler typing experience with a more subtle feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for sound intensity, tactile feedback, and typing comfort. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience and will offer similar results in terms of durability and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with sharp tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more muted sound profile with gentle tactility for a quiet and professional typing experience, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for the feel and sound of the switch, as both switches offer their own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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