Jerrzi Coral vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Mini i stand out for their unique characteristics. The Coral switch is a linear switch, known for its crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a sophisticated typing experience with stellar performance. On the other hand, the Mini i is a tactile switch, offering gentle tactility in each keystroke with a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for quiet professionalism in an office setting. While the Coral switch provides a delightful typing experience with its nuanced sophistication, the Mini i offers comfortable typing without the intrusive clack, making it ideal for long hours of use. 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Mini i switches both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. However, the Coral's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Mini i's nylon top housing. This difference in housing materials results in a contrasting sound experience when typing on these switches, with the Coral offering a more clear and resonant sound, while the Mini i produces a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Coral's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i may not feature the same level of RGB lighting capabilities due to its nylon top housing. Despite this difference, both switches offer a classic feel with their nylon bottom housings, providing a consistent typing experience that is deep and full in sound profile.
Overall, while both the Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Mini i switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to their similar deep and fuller sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in the Coral's top housing sets it apart with a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Mini i's nylon top housing. Each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience, showcasing the importance of understanding the impact of materials on switch performance and sound quality.
Weight
Comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both have an actuation force of 40 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Jerrzi Coral has an unknown bottom out force while the Gateron Mini i has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the heavier option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jerrzi Coral would be the better choice due to the lack of information on bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Gateron Mini i for its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the actuation force being the same in both switches means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, users can expect similar results regardless of which switch they choose.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch both offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. The Coral has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Gateron Mini i with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster key presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Jerrzi Coral with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Gateron Mini i has a slight edge in terms of a shorter travel distance for those looking for speed and efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched resonance that adds a certain depth and mellowness to the typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter profile with a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch presents a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between a satisfying feedback and a moderate level of noise, suitable for various environments without being too intrusive. Depending on the keyboard setup and keycaps used, both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Coral leaning towards a lower pitch and the Mini i offering a more versatile sound suitable for different settings.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, providing minimal resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is known for its bouncy and easy-to-press keys that offer a spring-like feedback, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. Additionally, the Mini i switch falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. While the Coral offers a smoother feel, the Mini i provides a more lively and responsive typing sensation, catering to different preferences in key feel.
Considering the information provided, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Coral excels in delivering a low-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, while the Mini i provides a neutral sound profile with bouncy and easy-to-press keys. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Coral appealing to those who enjoy a smoother and mellower typing experience, and the Mini i appealing to users seeking a balance between tactility and comfort. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a distinctively crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch would be an excellent choice. The Coral switch offers a nuanced sophistication and stellar performance that can make every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The Mini i switches are lightweight, making them ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without the intrusive clack, perfect for a quiet office environment. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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