KTT Mallo vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and Gateron Mini i both offer a tactile typing experience that is gentle and subtle. The KTT Mallo switches provide a medium-light typing feel with a neutral sound signature, making them versatile for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are known for their lightweight design and fairly muted sound profile, perfect for long hours of comfortable typing in office settings. While both switches offer a subtle tactility and satisfying feedback, the Mallo leans towards a more subdued typing experience, while the Mini i provides a snappier feel. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Mini i switches can be compared and contrasted based on their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mallo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. In contrast, the Mini i features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials are classic switch housing options, they offer distinct auditory experiences when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mallo and the Mini i utilize nylon as their material of choice. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switches may still exhibit slight differences in sound due to other factors such as switch design and overall construction. However, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile when using either the Mallo or the Mini i switches.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Mini i switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more mellow and rounded sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound experience, making them reliable options for users seeking a tactile typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in terms of pressure needed to fully press the key. In contrast, the Mini i is lighter with a bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the Mallo is None grams, while the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Mini i requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Mallo. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the Mallo for a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while others may opt for the Mini i for a lighter touch that allows for more extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile 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 Mallo. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Mini i for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Mallo with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo and Gateron Mini i switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments. The Mallo offers a more subdued sound compared to most switches, providing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Mini i offers a fairly muted sound profile that still maintains the satisfying feedback of typing. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery and mild typing experience, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also falls under the category of stepped switches, providing a more subtle tactile feel. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with minimal force required to activate the keys. It also falls under the category of subtle and mild switches, offering a comfortable and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo and Gateron Mini i switches provide users with a balanced typing experience. While the Mallo offers a slightly lighter and more subdued sound profile with a feathery and subtle tactile feel, the Gateron Mini i provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience with a fairly muted sound profile. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of versatility and comfort from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on their characteristics. If you prefer a medium-light typing feel with a subtle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Mallo may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a light typing experience with gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, the Mini i could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Consider these factors carefully before making your choice between these two switches.
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