Bsun Hutt vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Mini i both offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Hutt switch stands out with its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a snappy and invigorating feel that many typists enjoy, complemented by a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i prioritizes subtlety and ease, featuring a gentle tactility that is perfect for long typing sessions. Its lightweight design and fairly muted sound make it an excellent choice for professional environments where quietness is key without compromising on satisfying feedback. Both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts but do so in unique ways—while the Hutt offers an accentuated and resonant typing experience, the Mini i provides a bouncier and more subdued feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Mini i, a stark contrast emerges between their top housings. The Hutt utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This choice contributes to a clearer resonance during operation, particularly beneficial for users who favor a bubbly, articulated typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also lends itself well to RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Mini i employs nylon as its top housing material, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is considerably rounder and less piercing than that of the Hutt. Nylon’s softer structure reduces sound reflections, creating a more muted auditory feedback, which could be preferred by typists seeking a quieter typing experience.
Both the Bsun Hutt and Gateron Mini i share nylon for their bottom housing, creating a consistency in the feel and sound profile at the bottom of the switch. This material is instrumental in absorbing sound, yielding a deeper and more immersive acoustic experience that can be appreciated when bottoming out keys. As both switches reinforce these qualities through their nylon bottoms, users will find that the tactile feedback and sound produced during key presses are quite similar for the two models, despite the differences in their top housings. This commonality may make them feel more comparable when actually typing.
Ultimately, the overall sound and feel of the switches can be attributed to the combination of their housing materials. While the Hutt’s polycarbonate top emphasizes the highs and clarity of sound, the Mini i’s nylon top offers a softer, more rounded auditory experience. The shared nylon bottom in both switches ensures that much of the lower end vibration and sound absorption remains consistent. Thus, when pressed, the key feel can appear similar due to the nylon bottoms providing a common ground, harmonizing the effects of both housing materials on the user’s experience, regardless of the marked differences they possess in their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces; the Hutt switch has a bottom out force of 49 grams, while the Mini i has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches feel relatively light during typing, the Gateron Mini i requires a tiny bit more force to fully bottom out. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for extended use without fatigue, either option could suit you well, but the Mini i offers just a touch more resistance when bottoming out for those who might appreciate a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Hutt switch will provide a deeper feel due to its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Mini i, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers and those seeking faster response times, as shorter distances often provide a more responsive experience. While the difference between the two switches is minimal, it can influence user preference based on whether they prioritize depth or responsiveness in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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, the Bsun Hutt switch delivers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp tone, making every keystroke stand out. This higher-pitched sound can be appealing to those who enjoy the satisfying acoustic feedback that typists often seek. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i provides a more neutral sound profile, striking a balance between being unobtrusive and still offering a satisfying typing sound. This makes the Mini i particularly well-suited for environments where noise must be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared spaces. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, but depending on the use case, one may be favored over the other.
In terms of feel, the Hutt switch is characterized by its snappiness and invigorating feedback. The prominent tactile bump, combined with a medium-heavy spring, ensures that each keypress is sharp and responsive, creating a highly engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch emphasizes a more gentle feel, described as bouncy and easy to press, which allows for a comfortable typing experience over extended periods. This lightweight and mild nature of the Mini i may appeal more to users looking for ease of use and reduced finger fatigue, while those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Hutt's invigorating quality. The two switches cater to different preferences in tactile engagement.
Ultimately, choosing between the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Mini i switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Hutt excels in providing a resonant auditory experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a quieter, softer sound and a gentle feel, catering to users who prioritize comfort and a subdued typing environment. Depending on individual typing styles and environments, both switches can potentially deliver a satisfying experience tailored to specific user needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a more prominent tactile feedback and enjoy a lively, invigorating, and snappy keystroke, the Hutt switch is an excellent choice. Its slightly heavier spring and distinct tactile bump provide an engaging typing sensation, perfect for those who appreciate pronounced feedback while typing. This switch may serve well in both gaming and creative endeavors where tactile engagement is key. Conversely, if your primary focus is on comfort and a quieter typing experience, particularly for extended office hours, the Gateron Mini i switch would be more suitable. With its mild and gentle resistance, it offers an effortless typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue, complemented by a balanced sound profile that maintains professionalism in shared environments. Ultimately, the choice boils down to your specific needs—choose the Hutt for an immersive and tactile journey, or the Mini i for a subtle, refined, and quiet typing experience.
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