Bsun Cinnamon Pink vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Cinnamon Pink stands out for its distinctive clacky sound and smooth action, providing a medium-light typing feel that strikes a perfect balance between comfort and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a more subtle and gentle tactility with a muted sound profile, ideal for office settings that require a quieter typing experience. While the Cinnamon Pink is categorized as 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Easy-to-press', the Mini i is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', and 'Subtle'. 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.45 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink and Gateron Mini i both utilize unique housing materials for their switches. The Cinnamon Pink features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Mini i uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. While both materials offer a unique sound profile, the POM housing of the Cinnamon Pink may provide a slightly quieter typing experience compared to the nylon housing of the Mini i.
However, despite the differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and Gateron Mini i aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The POM housing of the Cinnamon Pink is known for its pleasing sound profile, while the nylon housing of the Mini i offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize creating a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether you prefer the unique sound profile of the POM housing or the fuller sound of the nylon housing will come down to personal preference.
In terms of overall performance, the housing materials of the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and Gateron Mini i may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel. The impact of the housing material is more apparent when considering the top and bottom housing separately. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the qualities of the housing material may be distributed differently between the two switches, both ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is clear that both switches are on the lighter side in terms of force required. The Cinnamon Pink has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams, while the Cinnamon Pink also has a lighter bottom out force of 42 grams in comparison to the Mini i's 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth and easy typing experience, with the Cinnamon Pink offering a slightly lighter touch overall. While some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces for longer typing sessions, others may find the heavier forces of the Mini i to provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.45 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively similar travel distances, with the Cinnamon Pink being slightly longer. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cinnamon Pink for $3.83.
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 Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch offers a distinctively clacky and sharp sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch presents a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for most environments, striking a balance between moderation and satisfaction. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, catering to individual preferences and needs.
In terms of feel, the Cinnamon Pink switch provides users with a creamy, polished, and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances typing comfort. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy and easy-to-press, delivering responsive feedback and minimal resistance during key presses. On the contrary, the Gateron Mini i switch is characterized by a bouncy and mild typing feel, providing a gentle and rebounding sensation for users. The switch is easy-to-press and subtle, ensuring a light and approachable typing experience for extended use.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cinnamon Pink switch excels in delivering a clacky and smooth typing experience, while the Gateron Mini i switch provides a neutral and gentle tactile feedback suitable for office environments. Depending on personal preference, users can achieve similar results in typing satisfaction with either switch, each catering to different preferences and needs in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a delicate balance of smooth action and distinctively clacky sound in your typing experience, then the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium-light typing feel that is both engaging and comfortable, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience without being overpowering. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle and muted sound profile with gentle tactility in each keystroke, then the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. These switches are lightweight and offer a comfortable typing experience ideal for office settings where a quieter approach is desired. Ultimately, the choice between the Cinnamon Pink and Mini i switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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