TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch stand out for their unique features. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is pleasing in any environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are known for their gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making them perfect for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability for various settings, the Gateron Mini i strikes a balance between comfort and feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Mini i differ significantly in both their top and bottom components. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Mini i's nylon top housing offers a classic feel with a rounder sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Red Pro and the Mini i incorporate nylon material. This choice provides a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. With the bottom housing having a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, users can expect a consistent experience between the two switches in this aspect. Despite the shared nylon material in the bottom housing, the separate top housing materials still offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics for the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Mini i.
Overall, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound with a sharp pitch, the Mini i's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with a softer touch. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a consistent deep sound profile when pressing down on the keys. Whether the preference lies in a crisper or rounder sound, users can choose between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Mini i based on their desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's 43 grams. The bottom out force of the Mini i is 50 grams, while the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. The Mini i switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer effortless keypresses for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro switch provides a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Gold Red Pro's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Mini i, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes 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 TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. The Gold Red Pro emits a thocky and low-pitched sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet, while the Mini i produces a fairly muted sound that still provides satisfying feedback while typing. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience suitable for various environments, ensuring that users can enjoy their typing without causing disturbance to others.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red Pro is noted for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped feel, giving users a responsive and comfortable typing sensation with a spring-like feedback. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a light and enjoyable keypress, ensuring minimal finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, users can expect similar results in terms of having a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most environments and a gentle typing experience that is comfortable and responsive. Whether you choose the Gold Red Pro for its ease of press and versatility or the Mini i for its gentle tactility and smooth key travel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that meets the needs of various users, making them excellent options for different typing preferences and settings.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the versatility and adaptability of the Gold Red Pro for a seamless typing experience in various settings. This switch offers a neutral sound profile and is suitable for gaming, office work, or leisurely typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a gentle tactility with a muted sound profile that is ideal for quiet office environments. With a light actuation force and comfortable typing experience, the Mini i is perfect for long hours of typing without the distracting clack. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferred typing experience and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard.
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