TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it's clear that both offer distinct advantages depending on your typing preferences. The Gold Pink stands out for its 37g actuation force, providing a light and effortless typing experience perfect for rapid typing or gaming. With a satisfying clacky sound and a 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Feathery' feel, these switches deliver a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches offer gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, making them ideal for quiet office environments. With a 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Snappy' feel, these switches prioritize comfort and professionalism. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Mini i switches differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Mini i uses a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. While polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clear resonant sound, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the sound produced by the two switches will vary significantly based on the material of their top housing.
Both the Gold Pink and the Gateron Mini i switches share a similar housing material for their bottom housings, using nylon for this component. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's absorbent nature compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound when bottoming out keys on both switches will have a similar quality, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the brand. This shared feature in the bottom housing of the switches showcases the importance of material selection in determining the overall sound profile and feel of mechanical switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is essential to note that the qualities of the bottom and top housings will influence different aspects of the sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the typing experience when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, influencing the overall sound profile of the switch. Understanding the distribution of housing materials within a switch can provide insight into the nuances of sound and feel that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making them ideal for those who prefer lighter switches. However, the Gold Pink is slightly lighter than the Mini i in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who enjoy a softer touch may prefer the Gold Pink, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Mini i. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on typing style and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mini i has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Pink. The shorter travel distance of the Mini i may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Gold Pink may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Both options offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, the travel distance of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience and should be considered when selecting a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Gold Pink switch offers a clacky sound that provides a satisfying level of feedback, while the Gateron Mini i switch is described as having a neutral sound profile that is fairly muted. Both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, with the Gold Pink being more lively and the Gateron Mini i offering a quiet typing experience suitable for office settings.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and light typing sensation that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a responsive and gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. Both switches strive to enhance the typing experience by providing comfortable and pleasant keystrokes.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct but equally satisfying typing experiences. The Gold Pink provides a lively typing experience with a clacky sound, perfect for rapid typing or gaming, while the Gateron Mini i offers a quiet and gentle typing experience suitable for office environments. Depending on personal preferences and the specific use case, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and intended use.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value light and effortless typing with a satisfying feedback and clacky sound, the Gold Pink linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility, muted sound profile, and lightweight feel for comfortable and quiet typing, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific use case for your keyboard. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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