TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Mini i can greatly impact your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Flaming Pink is a linear switch that is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a delightful bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday typing activities. Its sound profile is bright yet not overly loud, making it versatile for various environments. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i, classified as a tactile switch, offers a gentle tactile feedback with each keystroke, designed specifically for a quieter workspace. Its muted sound profile ensures that the satisfying feedback of typing is maintained without the distracting clatter of more aggressive switches. While the Flaming Pink excels in delivering a premium experience ideal for gamers and those who enjoy a more pronounced key press, the Mini i focuses on providing comfort and professionalism for long hours of office typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Mini i switches, notable differences emerge that influence the sound profiles and tactile feedback they provide. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances its sound quality with a sharper, higher-pitched tone. This use of polycarbonate lends the switch a crisp and resonant sound profile that is amplified by the material's stiffness. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i utilizes nylon for its top housing, known for creating a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. Thus, while the Flaming Pink delivers a clear and bright auditory experience, the Mini i offers a warmer and more muted output, demonstrating how the housing material can significantly alter the characteristics of a switch.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which presents an interesting point of comparison. The nylon used in both the Flaming Pink and Mini i provides a similar foundation, creating a deeper and more rounded sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This result implies that while the top housings of the two switches create different auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housings contribute a uniformity in sound that could lead to comparable results when engaging with either switch, particularly in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel as the softer material cushions the impact.
In conclusion, the contrast between the TTC Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top housing and the Gateron Mini i's nylon top housing lays the groundwork for how each switch will perform acoustically. The Flaming Pink excels in producing brighter sounds, while the Mini i leans towards a warmer experience. However, with both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a harmonious underlying sound quality that bridges the two designs. Consequently, regardless of their individual top housing materials, the switches manage to deliver an enjoyable typing experience, backed by the familiar properties of nylon in both of their lower housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both offer relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. The Flaming Pink has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Mini i is slightly lighter at 40 grams. Both switches feature the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that although the Mini i is easier to press initially, both switches will require the same force when pressed all the way down. For users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged use, the Gateron Mini i would be the better choice. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, which, being slightly heavier in actuation, offers a different typing feel. Overall, while both switches have light characteristics, their differences lie in the actuation force, with the Mini i being the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is clear that the Flaming Pink has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mini i has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem small, but it can significantly influence the typing experience. Gamers, who often opt for faster response times, might prefer the Mini i for its shorter travel, allowing for quicker key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial key press may find the Flaming Pink's longer travel more satisfying, offering a greater sense of depth. As such, if you’re looking for a switch that balances responsiveness with tactile feedback, the choice between these two should carefully consider these distance variations.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Mini i switches, the Flaming Pink stands out for its bright, yet not overly loud sound. It offers a satisfying bottom-out noise that enhances the typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Mini i delivers a more muted sound profile, which is tailored for a quieter environment. This neutral sound has a moderate actuation force requirement, composing a less intrusive presence. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences that can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps you choose, leading to varied results in different setups.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switch is characterized by its smooth, responsive nature, making it ideal for those who appreciate a blended experience of tactile feedback and ease of use. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a gentle tactility paired with a bouncy, snappy texture. This switch is designed for effortless activation, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. It strikes a balance between being mild yet responsive. While the Flaming Pink has a premium feel, the Mini i aims for a more approachable, comfortable typing experience, making both effective yet distinctly different in their tactile qualities.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Mini i switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Flaming Pink excels with its expressive sound and smooth responsiveness, suitable for dynamic use cases. In contrast, the Mini i is a versatile option offering subtlety and comfort, perfect for quieter office settings. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on your individual preferences in sound and feel, and both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a satisfying sound and are looking for an engaging typing experience for both gaming and daily tasks, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force allows for rapid typing without fatigue, making it a great option for those who appreciate fluidity and responsiveness in their keyboard feel. On the other hand, if your environment demands a quieter, more professional atmosphere, or if you find tactile feedback essential for your typing style, the Gateron Mini i would be the smarter selection. Its mild tactile feedback provides just enough resistance to enhance your typing without causing distraction, making it ideal for long hours in an office setting. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your usage context—choose the Flaming Pink for a vibrant and spirited typing experience, or opt for the Mini i when subtlety and comfort are paramount.
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