TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Mini i. The Gold Red is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance, providing a snappy sound profile that adds personality without being too loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that offers gentle tactility in each keystroke, with a fairly muted sound profile ideal for office settings. While the Gold Red is described as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Polished', the Mini i is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Mini i, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Mini i features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Overall, the choice of material for the top housing significantly impacts the sound produced by these switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Mini i feature nylon bottom housings. This material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a consistent sound experience across both switches, as it helps create a duller and rounder sound upon pressing a key. Despite differences in the top housing material, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar tactile and auditory experience for both the Gold Red and the Mini i switches.
Overall, the choice of materials for the top and bottom housings of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Mini i switches plays a crucial role in defining their sound profiles. While the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing leads to a sharper and crisper sound, the Mini i's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a consistent tactile and auditory experience. Whether opting for the Gold Red or the Mini i, the material composition of the housing elements will ultimately impact the overall typing experience and sound output of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we see that both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the TTC Gold Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron Mini i's 40 grams. This means that the Gold Red switch requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, making it the heavier option of the two. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mini i for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Gold Red for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Gold Red linear switch. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Gateron Mini i tactile switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the TTC Gold Red linear switch. In terms of travel distance, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a quicker keypress compared to the TTC Gold Red linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switches provide a thocky and low-pitched typing experience that offers a satisfying yet subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of settings. Both switches aim to offer a moderate sound profile that caters to different preferences and environments, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches are known for their mild and silky typing experience, offering a polished feel that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. They provide a gentle resistance that is suitable for extended typing sessions. In comparison, the Gateron Mini i switches are described as bouncy and easy-to-press, giving a lively and responsive feedback sensation. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Red focusing on smoothness and the Mini i providing a more dynamic and springy feel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red linear switches and the Gateron Mini i tactile switches offer unique yet complementary typing experiences. The Gold Red switches prioritize a smooth and refined feel with a subtle sound profile, ideal for users looking for a more polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i switches focus on providing a bouncy and easy-to-press feel with a neutral sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more dynamic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering different qualities that suit various preferences and needs, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you value gentle tactility in each keystroke, a fairly muted sound profile, and lightweight switches for comfortable typing without distracting noise, the Gateron Mini i switch may be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize the buttery smoothness and light resistance of the Gold Red or the gentle tactility and quiet professionalism of the Mini i. Each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences and needs. Choose based on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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