Gateron Mini i vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch. The Gateron Mini i is praised for its gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making it a great choice for office environments where quiet professionalism is key. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with the added benefit of silent operation, perfect for noise-sensitive settings. Both switches have their own unique qualities 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Both the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon as the material for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to the ear. The use of nylon in both switches demonstrates a preference for a certain sound profile and tactile feel that is consistent across both products.
In terms of performance and sound output, the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Silent Red will likely provide very similar results due to the shared use of nylon as their housing material. Typing on either of these switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the absorbing qualities of nylon creating a more muted and rounded sound overall. The tactile feel of the switches will also be affected by the material of the housing, providing a consistent and satisfying typing experience across both products. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, nylon's characteristics will enhance the overall sound and feel of these switches.
While the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Silent Red both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, the impact of each housing material will differ slightly in terms of the switch's overall sound and feel. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing the key. Despite these differences, the common use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent and enjoyable typing experience that prioritizes a deep and full sound profile. Overall, the housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Mini i is the lighter option. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown. The Mini i provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly heavier actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Mini i would provide a slightly quicker key press compared to the MX Silent Red due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red may offer a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for key press responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 looking at sound quality, the Gateron Mini i switch provides a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between being audible without being disruptive, making it suitable for various environments. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound that minimizes noise, ideal for noise-sensitive locations. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant typing experience with their unique sound characteristics, ensuring a satisfying experience for users who prefer quieter switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped typing experience that enhances comfort and responsiveness during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, which may provide a slight friction when pressed compared to the smooth feel of the Gateron Mini i switch. Overall, both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience for users, with each offering a different tactile feedback to cater to individual preferences.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mini i switch provides a more neutral sound and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the MX Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile and a textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are capable of providing a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of comfort and performance regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you work in an office or shared space where a quiet typing experience is crucial, the MX Silent Red may be the better choice due to its significantly quieter sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort during long typing sessions without sacrificing satisfying feedback, the Gateron Mini i may be the way to go with its gentle tactility and lightweight feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and needs for your keyboard.
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