Gateron Mini i vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Orange stand as two distinct yet appealing options. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that offers a gentle yet satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for office environments or anyone who prefers a quieter typing experience. Its lightweight design and subtle sound profile cater to long hours of comfortable typing, perfect for the demands of professional settings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, a linear switch, has been reissued to meet the high demand for its beloved smoothness and responsiveness. Although less tactile, the linear nature of the MX Orange allows for uninterrupted key presses, making it a favorite for gamers and those who prioritize speed in their typing. Both switches provide unique advantages depending on your typing style and environment; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Orange, one can observe a notable similarity: both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality results in a sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Since nylon is a softer plastic compared to alternatives like polycarbonate or ABS, it has a higher capacity for sound absorption. Consequently, both switches can produce a duller and rounder sound when typed on, allowing users to enjoy a quieter typing experience that minimizes vibrations and echoes typical in harder-plastic housings.
Despite their shared use of nylon, the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Orange may still illustrate distinct characteristics based on their design nuances which influence the tactile feedback and sound both at the bottoming-out and releasing phases of key presses. Each switch has its own engineering specifications—such as stem design and spring tension—that can affect how the nylon housings interact during use. Although both are likely to produce a similar auditory signature due to the nylon material, typing feel and the nuanced sound experienced when releasing a key might differ slightly. Thus, while the underlying material remains consistent, these switches may still provide unique typing experiences.
Whether it's the Gateron Mini i or the Cherry MX Orange, the similarities in housing materials ensure that users will encounter a satisfying typing experience with pleasant auditory feedback. This shared nylon composition across both switches means that sound absorption qualities inherently lend themselves to a more composed acoustic profile. Yet, the overall switch experience can still diverge due to design factors beyond just housing materials, emphasizing the importance of considering both the tactile and auditory elements when comparing these switches. Ultimately, while they share the same fundamental material advantages, the subjective feel can vary, enhancing or modifying the typing experience that each switch offers.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the MX Orange requires 55 grams to actuate. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Mini i more appealing, allowing for less finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out forces, the Mini i has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a modest resistance when pressing the key down fully. The bottom out force for the MX Orange remains unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare these two switches on that front. However, it's worth noting that the Mini i switch can provide a less pronounced "bottom out" sensation, which might suit those looking for a gentler typing feel. Overall, the Gateron Mini i is the lighter switch, making it preferred for long use, while the Cherry MX Orange, with its higher actuation force, caters to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mini i will provide a more responsive feel, ideal for gamers seeking quick key presses, but may be perceived as too abrupt for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the MX Orange, with its fuller 4 mm travel, caters to users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feedback. Therefore, if you value quick response times, the Mini i offers the shorter travel distance, while the MX Orange provides a longer, more traditional depth that many find satisfying during extended typing sessions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a fairly muted profile, making it a quiet option for office environments where subtlety is key. The gentle tone is underscored by the tactile feedback it provides, ensuring that users can type without the intrusive clack often associated with mechanical switches. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch is more dynamic, though specific sound characteristics are not available. However, due to the inherent nature of tactile switches, the sound is likely to have a more distinct click when pressed compared to the Mini i. Both switches ultimately cater to users seeking reduced noise levels during their typing experience, albeit arriving from slightly different sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i shines with its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, providing a responsive typing experience that feels both lively and effortless. The mild tactile feedback strikes a perfect balance for typists who prefer a gentle yet recognizable cue when a key is actuated. Descriptors such as snappy and subtle highlight the switch’s ability to feel engaging without becoming overwhelming. On the other hand, while the tactile qualities of the Cherry MX Orange are not specified, the switch's heritage suggests it could have a more pronounced tactile bump similar to other Cherry MX variants. Nevertheless, based on the gentle, easy nature of the Mini i, users may find a similarly comfortable typing experience here.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Orange switches cater to users prioritizing comfort, especially in shared spaces. The Mini i stands out for its gentle sound and well-balanced tactile feedback, while the specifics of the Cherry MX Orange remain less defined, potentially offering a more pronounced tactile engagement. Users looking for a quiet, bouncy typing experience will find the Mini i especially appealing, while the MX Orange may still provide a suitable alternative for those preferring tactile feedback. Overall, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, though the Gateron Mini i excels in professionalism and subtlety.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself working in an office setting or sharing your space with others, the Mini i would be an excellent choice due to its lightweight feel, subtle tactility, and muted sound profile that minimizes noise disruption. The gentle bounce and easy-to-press characteristics make it ideal for extended typing periods, helping to prevent finger fatigue while providing a satisfying, yet low-impact feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're more of a gamer looking for smooth key presses without the tactile interruption during rapid movements, the MX Orange linear switch could be the way to go. While its specific bottom-out force might remain a mystery, it typically offers a slick and uninterrupted typing experience that can enhance your gameplay. Therefore, consider your primary use case—if you value a quiet and comfortable typing experience, opt for the Mini i; but if you prefer a linear action for fast-paced activities, the MX Orange will serve you well.
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