Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, and the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, it really comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Ink Red is perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, with its lower actuation force and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Mini i offers a gentle tactility in each keystroke, making it ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without the intrusive sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities and benefits, but ultimately the decision comes down to what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which creates a satisfying, thin, and clacky sound profile when typing. This unique blend of materials gives the switch a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Mini i have distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, they also have some similarities. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with a noticeable difference in sound and feel. The INK blend of the Ink Red provides a higher-pitched sound, while the nylon material of the Mini i creates a deeper sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing experience for users who appreciate unique sound profiles.
When considering the impact of housing materials on a switch, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of both components in creating the desired typing experience for users of switches like the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Mini i.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i is the lighter of the two. The Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the 45 grams required by the Ink Red. Similarly, the Mini i has a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams compared to the Ink Red's 60 grams. This difference in weight means that the Mini i would provide a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience, while the Ink Red would offer a slightly more substantial and tactile feel. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, which means they would offer a balanced typing experience in terms of responsiveness and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink 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. In this case, the Mini i has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. This means that the Mini i will offer a slightly quicker response time for users, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast and precise inputs. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Red provides a bit more depth to the keystroke, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or general use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the intended use case.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both switches fall under the descriptor of 'Neutral', meaning they have moderate sound profiles suitable for various settings. The Ink Red has an additional descriptor of 'Chirpy', indicating a slight squeak that sets it apart. The Mini i, on the other hand, has a more muted sound profile that doesn't sacrifice the satisfying feedback of typing. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles that should cater to different preferences, with the Mini i being more office-friendly due to its quieter nature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Red offers a silky and mild typing experience, making it exceptionally smooth and easy to type on. It is also described as polished, providing a refined typing feel with reduced friction. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch is bouncy and easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and a lively rebound when pressed. With characteristics of being snappy, subtle, and stepped, the Gateron Mini i caters to those who prefer a more responsive and tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback suited for different typing preferences.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Ink Red provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy sound profile, while the Mini i offers a more gentle and bouncy feel with a muted sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and use cases, both switches provide their unique benefits, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their typing style and environment. Whether choosing the Ink Red for a lighter typing style or the Mini i for gentle tactility in an office setting, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your typing style and environment. If you prefer a smooth, crisp typing experience with a moderate bottom out force, the Ink Red is the choice for you. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a light touch and enjoy a slight chirpy sound profile. On the other hand, if you work in a quiet office setting and value a gentle tactility with a lightweight feel, the Mini i switch is ideal. It offers a muted sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long hours of use. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you desire.
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