Gateron Mini i vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Brown both offer tactile feedback but with distinct characteristics. The Gateron Mini i is praised for its gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet and professional typing experience in office settings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtle tactility and light typing experience, providing a comfortable feel with minimal sound output. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Gateron Mini i leans towards a more bouncy and easy-to-press feel, while the Cherry MX Brown offers a more textured and bassy typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Brown, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. As a result, typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing materials means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when using either the Gateron Mini i or the Cherry MX Brown.
However, while both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these housing materials may differ in how they affect the sound and feel of the switch. For example, the bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing may have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that while the housing material is the same for both the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Brown, the specific qualities each housing material brings to the switch may be divided between the top and bottom of the switch, resulting in a slightly different typing experience.
Overall, the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Brown ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience. While the impact of the housing materials may differ in how they affect the sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a consistent level of performance and quality in both the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Brown due to their shared use of nylon for the housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that there are noticeable differences between the two. The Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the MX Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the MX Brown provides a bit more resistance due to its higher force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the level of force they prefer in their key switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mini i offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for response time and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00.
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, the Gateron Mini i switches are described as having a more neutral sound profile, offering a moderate level of sound that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer audio feedback during typing. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, the choice between the two switches can significantly impact the overall sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i switches are known for being bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities contribute to a typing experience that is lively, responsive, and comfortable, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are described as textured, offering a unique tactile experience that some users may prefer for its added friction during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Brown switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i switches provide a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, perfect for office settings and comfortable typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Brown switches deliver a bassy sound and a textured feel, suitable for users who prefer a more tactile and friction-filled typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Mini i or Cherry MX Brown switches, you can expect a high-quality tactile typing experience with each keystroke.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, your choice should primarily depend on your environment and personal preference. If you work in a quiet office setting and prioritize a lightweight, comfortable typing experience with subtle tactility and a muted sound profile, the Gateron Mini i switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing feel with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches might be more suitable. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience to make the best decision for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages, so choose wisely based on your specific requirements and preferences.
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