Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mini i both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are known for their gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making them ideal for office use where a quiet professionalism is desired. While the Durock Medium Tactile excels in providing a tactile typing experience, the Gateron Mini i focuses on offering a lightweight and comfortable typing experience without the intrusive clack. 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
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mini i, it is interesting to note that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that regardless of the brand, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the depth and fullness of the sound produced. The softer nature of nylon materials in the bottom housing of both switches allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. This consistency in material choice for the bottom housing indicates that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel.
However, the key difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. While the Durock Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, the Gateron Mini i opts for a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of material for the top housing significantly impacts the overall sound of the switch, with polycarbonate providing a more resonant and clear sound while nylon offers a more muffled and rounder tone. This difference highlights how the housing material can play a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience and sound signature of a switch.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing material between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mini i result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile offers a sharp and crisp sound, ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Mini i provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users who enjoy a more muted and rounded tone. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for consistent sound absorption and depth, it is the choice of top housing material that sets them apart in terms of sound profile and overall typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch differ significantly. The Medium Tactile has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Mini i provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Medium Tactile offers a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being favored for extended use and heavier switches for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Medium Tactile switch would provide a slightly deeper key press compared to the Mini i switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mini i switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Durock Medium Tactile switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, offering a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch provides a fairly muted sound profile that maintains the satisfying feedback of typing without being overly loud. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Medium Tactile offering a more distinct sound characteristic compared to the neutral sound profile of the Mini i.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized by its accented tactility, providing a prominent yet balanced tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. In comparison, the Gateron Mini i switch is noted for its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel ideal for extended typing sessions. Both switches fall under the mild category in terms of typing experience, providing a comfortable middle ground between more pronounced tactile characteristics.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile and Gateron Mini i switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Medium Tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactile feedback, the Mini i switch offers a muted sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mini i switches, you should consider your preference for tactility and force requirement. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and gentle tactility with a muted sound profile, ideal for long hours of comfortable typing in a professional setting, the Gateron Mini i switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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