TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Mini i mechanical keyboard switches, both offer tactile feedback but with distinct characteristics. The Bluish White is celebrated for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience and snappy sound profile, falling under categories like 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i provides gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, making it suitable for office environments that require quiet professionalism. This switch is described as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Snappy'. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs - the Bluish White for a more pronounced typing experience, and the Gateron Mini i for a subtle yet satisfying feedback. 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Mini i, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon helps to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder tone compared to harder plastics. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Bluish White sets itself apart with its polycarbonate material. The use of polycarbonate leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer properties. This difference in top housing material will likely result in a noticeable variation in sound between the two switches, especially during key release.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Mini i share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound, with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a more subdued and rounded tone during typing. While the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of a switch, the shared use of nylon at the bottom ensures a consistent typing experience between the Bluish White and Mini i.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Mini i may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White offers a sharper and crisper typing sound, while the Mini i's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound absorption. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound (Bluish White) or a deeper, rounder sound (Mini i) when it comes to your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the TTC Bluish White has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Gateron Mini i's 40 grams. This means that the Mini i is slightly lighter to press before actuation. The difference in actuation force may be subtle, but it can affect the typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Whether one prefers the slightly heavier actuation force of the TTC Bluish White or the lighter actuation force of the Gateron Mini i will depend on personal preference for typing feedback and comfort.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Bluish White being slightly longer than the Mini i. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Gateron Mini i due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the TTC Bluish White. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches, providing a balance between speed and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a low-pitched profile, which results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound level suitable for various environments without being too loud or too silent. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Bluish White offering a snappier sound while the Mini i strikes a balance with a more muted sound to cater to office settings.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Bluish White is known for its buttery and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and consistent keypress sensation. The switch also offers a stepped feel, with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy and easy-to-press, giving a spring-like feedback and requiring minimal force for activation. Both switches offer a subtle typing feel, making them suitable for shared spaces and providing a comfortable typing experience without causing finger fatigue.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the TTC Bluish White and Gateron Mini i tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bluish White provides a low-pitched and snappy sound with a buttery and mild feel, the Mini i offers a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the typing environment, as both switches deliver satisfying feedback and comfortable typing experiences. It's worth noting that despite their differences, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing satisfaction with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the TTC Bluish White switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a similarly light bottom out force of 50 grams but with a more muted sound profile and a gentle tactility that is ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without the intrusive clack, then the Gateron Mini i switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound profile or tactility in your typing experience.
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