KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Mini i. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch renowned for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i stands out as a tactile switch that offers gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, making it a suitable choice for office environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences, offering a choice between a more pronounced typing feedback with the Cream Yellow or a quieter, more subtle typing experience with the Mini i. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Mini i switches offer different sound profiles due to their composition. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Mini i's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, creates a deep and full sound, while the Mini i's nylon bottom housing similarly offers a rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more muted sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, which can affect the overall typing experience and preference of users.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switches, it becomes apparent that the qualities of each material are split between the two components. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division can result in a unique typing experience for users, depending on their preference for a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound. Ultimately, the different housing materials of the Cream Yellow and Mini i switches offer users a choice in sound profile and typing feel to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch. The Cream Yellow requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out, making it a more medium option. In contrast, the Mini i only needs 40 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a lighter switch. Those who prefer a light and easy typing experience may lean towards the Mini i, as it requires less force to use. Meanwhile, the Cream Yellow may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and weighted typing experience. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is apparent that the Cream Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Mini i's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Gamers tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Mini i a potential choice for those seeking rapid key presses. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Cream Yellow more appealing due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and percussive tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, striking a balance between being audible without being too intrusive. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow leaning towards a more pronounced click while the Mini i opts for a softer and more office-friendly sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch is praised for its bouncy typing feel, thanks to its elongated spring and long-pole stem design. This results in a lively and responsive keystroke experience, offering a sense of rebound with each press. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch also boasts a bouncy feel, along with easy-to-press characteristics that require minimal force to activate. Additionally, the Mini i provides a mild typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, when comparing the Cream Yellow and Mini i switches, it's evident that they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow excels in delivering a clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i provides a neutral sound profile and a gentle, easy-to-press feel, making it an ideal choice for office environments and users looking for a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, and choosing between them comes down to personal preference and the specific use case at hand.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 58 grams provides a satisfying typing experience with resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams and a more subtle, easy-to-press feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be ideal. These switches offer a gentle tactility and a muted sound profile, perfect for long hours of comfortable typing in office settings. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and Mini i switches comes down to your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.