Gateron Mini i vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Mountain Top, a linear switch. The Mini i is praised for its gentle tactility, offering a subtle yet satisfying typing experience perfect for the workplace. With a quiet sound profile and lightweight feel, it is ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch is designed for discretion in office environments, providing a quiet yet responsive typing experience. Both switches share characteristics such as being bouncy, easy to press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housing. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The result is a duller and rounder sound, creating a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
While both switches share the same housing material, the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Mountain Top may have differences in their design or construction that affect the overall typing experience. The placement of the nylon top and bottom housings can influence the sound and feel of the switch when pressed or released. The Mini i, for example, may emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing when pressed, while the Mountain Top may focus more on the sound produced when a key is released.
Despite any potential differences in design, users can expect a similar typing experience from both the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Mountain Top due to their shared use of nylon housing material. The deeper and fuller sound profile, as well as the overall feel of typing on these switches, will be consistent thanks to the sound absorption properties of nylon. Whether choosing the Mini i or the Mountain Top, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams, resulting in similar typing experiences. This means that users can expect consistent feedback and performance from both switches in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and bottoming out. In terms of weight, the actuation and bottom out forces of both switches are considered light, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may opt for options with heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch will come down to personal preference regarding typing force and weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance. With both switches having an equal distance, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance. This makes them both reliable options for mechanical keyboards, providing a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $6.00. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Mini i and Mountain Top.
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 Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound that is suitable for a variety of environments, whether you are typing at home or in a professional office setting. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when choosing a switch based on sound.
In terms of feel, both the Mini i and the Mountain Top switches are bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. This means that they provide a spring-like feedback sensation, require minimal force to activate, offer a gentle typing experience, are super responsive, and have a gentle resistance without being too feathery. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a comfortable and low-impact feel, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Overall, whether you choose the Gateron Mini i tactile switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you can expect a similar experience in terms of sound and feel. Both switches are designed with a focus on comfort and efficiency, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced typists. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and actuation force.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a gentle and comfortable typing experience suitable for office environments, the Gateron Mini i switch with its lightweight and subtle tactility would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides a quiet yet responsive typing experience for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force would be a perfect fit. Consider your typing needs and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying and productive typing experience.
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