Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Mini i stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch with a shorter travel, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It boasts a smooth and clacky feel, making it ideal for those seeking a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i is a tactile switch that offers gentle tactility with each keystroke. It strikes a balance between a fairly muted sound profile and satisfying feedback, making it perfect for office use where quiet professionalism is key. While the Ink Yellow excels in smoothness and clackiness, the Mini i shines in its lightweight design and subtle tactile 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Mini i differ in their housing materials. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a satisfying yet clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer and more sound-absorbent nature of nylon. This contrast in housing materials ultimately leads to a difference in sound and typing feel between the two switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Mini i offer a unique typing experience. While the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing contribute to a sharper and more distinct sound profile, the Mini i's nylon housing provides a more rounded and muffled sound. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon in the Mini i may result in a smoother typing experience compared to the crisper feel of the INK blend in the Ink Yellow. These nuances in sound and feel demonstrate how the choice of housing material can significantly impact a switch's overall performance.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Mini i play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. The INK blend in the Ink Yellow offers a thin and clacky typing experience, while the nylon in the Mini i creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper and more distinct typing experience or a smoother and more muffled feel, both switches provide a unique and satisfying typing experience based on their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch. The Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Mini i only needs 40 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it lighter in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mini i, while individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and performance. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their variances in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The difference between the two switches is minimal, with the Ink Yellow being slightly longer than the Mini i. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference - those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Ink Yellow, while those who prefer a slightly quicker response may choose the Mini i. Either way, users can expect a smooth and efficient typing experience with either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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 it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Mini i switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and users. The Ink Yellow offers a clacky sound, which is crisp and percussive, while the Mini i provides a more muted sound that maintains the satisfying feedback of typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow is characterized by a mild and polished typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with gentle resistance and light actuation force for effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue. Both switches offer mild characteristics, providing a safe and approachable typing experience for most users.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Mini i switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a clacky sound and polished typing experience, while the Mini i offers a muted sound and bouncy, easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing sensation, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your overall typing experience. Remember to consider your personal preferences and typing environment when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch or the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a shorter travel and a clacky sound profile, the Ink Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with gentle tactility, a muted sound profile, and bouncy, easy-to-press keys, the Mini i may be more suited to your needs. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Ink Yellow and Mini i switches will depend on your typing style, preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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