Gateron Mini i vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch. The Gateron Mini i switches are well-regarded for their gentle tactility, making them an excellent choice for office-centric keyboard setups. They offer a satisfying feedback while maintaining a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for quiet professionalism without sacrificing comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches are known for their slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Red, it is evident that both switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the typing experience on both switches is likely to be quite similar in terms of sound and feel.
Where the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, such as in the case of the Mini i and the MX Red, the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that although both switches may use nylon for their housing materials, the specific design and composition of each switch may result in subtle differences in sound and feel during typing.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Red switches ensures a consistent and quality typing experience. The ability of nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as well as its softer nature that absorbs sound effectively, result in a pleasant typing experience for users of either switch. While there may be slight variations in sound and feel due to the specific design of each switch, the overall qualities of the nylon housing material contribute to a satisfying typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Cherry MX Red linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Mini i easier to trigger keystrokes with. The Mini i also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the MX Red which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Mini i provides a smoother typing experience with less force required for both actuation and bottoming out. However, both switches offer a similar typing experience as their actuation forces are quite close, so users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke feel. Both switches fall within the range of popular travel distances, with the Mini i being on the shorter end and the MX Red on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and versatile typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying auditory experience that some users prefer for its richness. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a range of gentle and responsive typing experiences tailored for comfort and efficiency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is noted for its textured feel, which may provide a unique tactile sensation that some users appreciate for its distinct feedback. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a personal preference, and it's essential to consider what type of typing experience best suits your needs and preferences.
Overall, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mini i provides a more neutral sound profile and a range of gentle tactile sensations, the MX Red delivers a deeper and more textured sound with its unique feel. Depending on your preferences for typing feedback and sound, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of comfort and efficiency with both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and professional typing experience in an office environment, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are lightweight, provide a subtle tactile feedback, and have a fairly muted sound profile suitable for long hours of typing without causing distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a rich and deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be the better option for you. The MX Red offers a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth, making it a popular choice among users seeking a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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