Gateron Mini i vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Gateron Mini i switch offers a tactile experience with gentle tactility, providing a satisfying feedback while maintaining a fairly muted sound profile. This switch is ideal for office settings where quiet professionalism is necessary, offering comfort and bounciness for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch boasts a linear action with low spring resistance, making it perfect for gamers seeking maximum speed and rapid response. With its textured feel and low-pitched sound, this switch excels in minimizing input delay, crucial for competitive gaming. While each switch serves a specific purpose, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Speed Silver both utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches featuring nylon top and bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and key feel. The impact of the bottom housing will be more prominent during key presses, while the top housing will influence the sound as keys are released.
While both switches share the same material for their top and bottom housings, the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Speed Silver may differ in terms of design and overall build quality. The design of the housing can impact the overall typing experience, including factors such as key stability, actuation force, and overall key feel. Additionally, the construction of the housing can also affect the durability and longevity of the switch, with some materials being more resistant to wear and tear than others. Users may find that one switch offers a smoother and more seamless typing experience compared to the other, based on these additional factors.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Speed Silver's use of nylon for their housing materials provides a similar sound profile and key feel during typing. However, differences in design, construction, and overall build quality may result in a varied typing experience for users. While both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorption properties of nylon, other factors such as key stability and actuation force may influence user preference between the two switches. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is most suitable for individual users.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch. The Mini i requires 40 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 50 grams to bottom out, while the MX Speed Silver only needs 30 grams to actuate a keystroke. The bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown. This means that the Mini i would be easier to type on for longer periods of time due to its lighter touch, making it ideal for office work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer varying levels of force that cater to different preferences, with the Mini i being the lighter option in this comparison.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.4mm. This means when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to other switches on the market, providing a quick and responsive typing experience for users. The similarity in travel distance between the Gateron Mini i and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches makes them both ideal choices for those who prefer a shorter key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 that is suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. It strikes a balance between actuation force and sound, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and rich tone that is pleasing to the ears. The choice between the Mini i and Speed Silver will depend on personal preferences for sound, with the Mini i being more versatile and the Speed Silver offering a unique and satisfying sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making long hours of typing enjoyable without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is noted for its textured feel, which may not be preferred by all users. The Mini i offers a more traditional and gentle typing feel, while the Speed Silver provides a unique tactile experience that some users may find appealing.
Overall, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mini i excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Speed Silver stands out for its thocky sound and textured feel, which may appeal to users looking for a more distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your usage and preferences. If you value a subtle and quiet typing experience with gentle tactility for long hours of office work, the Gateron Mini i switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize instant response and maximum speed for gaming where every millisecond counts, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is the better choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so go with the one that aligns best with your specific needs.
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