Gateron Mini i vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there are notable differences in their design and feel. The Mini i is well-known for its gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making it ideal for office environments where quiet professionalism is key. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a distinctive typing experience with its medium weight and smooth actuation, thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. While the Mini i is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', 'Subtle', 'Stepped', the Neo White falls under 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. When choosing between these two switches, consider the Mini i for comfortable and quiet typing, and the Neo White for a smooth and satisfying keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Haimu Neo White, one major difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches surprisingly use nylon. This results in similar sound profiles for the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared bottom housing material of nylon ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the Gateron Mini i or the Haimu Neo White.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Mini i's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar bottom-out sound and feel. By understanding the differences in housing materials, enthusiasts can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that the Mini i is the lighter of the two switches. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is heavier in comparison. While the actuation force of the Neo White is unknown, the difference in bottom out force suggests that it is a medium weight option. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Neo White may be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Mini i would be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mini i. The difference may not be significant, but it could affect how the switches feel when typing or gaming. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for some users. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and users. The Mini i offers a muted sound that doesn't compromise on feedback, ideal for quiet office settings, while the Neo White provides a medium weight typing experience with a smooth actuation for a satisfying typing feel. Keep in mind that the overall sound of the switches can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Mini i switch is characterized by its bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped qualities, providing a range of tactile experiences for users. On the other hand, the Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience, appealing to those looking for a gentler key feel without extreme characteristics. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering comfortable and responsive feedback, catering to a wide range of preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch may have different specifications in terms of sound and feel, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a more muted sound profile with gentle tactility or a smooth actuation with a medium weight feel, both switches offer quality options that can cater to your typing needs. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a lightweight, bouncy, and easy-to-press typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Mini i may be the better choice for you, especially in an office setting where quiet professionalism is valued. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a mild typing feel that offers a smooth and satisfying actuation, the Neo White switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the specific requirements of your workspace.
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