Gateron Mini i vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch with the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, a few key differences stand out. The Mini i offers a gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, making it ideal for office settings where quiet professionalism is crucial. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel. The Mini i is best suited for those looking for a bouncy and easy-to-press switch, while the New North Pole V2 caters to users who prefer a polished and creamy typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both offer unique characteristics in terms of their housing materials. While the Mini i features a nylon top and bottom housing, the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both components. The nylon housing of the Mini i provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the New North Pole V2 produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity and resonance thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Mini i may lack the clear translucency of the polycarbonate housings found in the New North Pole V2. The use of polycarbonate not only enhances the visual appeal of the switch but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually stunning effect. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the polycarbonate housing in the New North Pole V2 provides an added visual element that the Mini i may lack. However, in terms of sound, the nylon housing of the Mini i still offers its own distinctive qualities that may appeal to users looking for a deeper and more rounded tone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron New North Pole V2 will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Mini i provide a softer and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate housing of the New North Pole V2 offers a sharper and crisper tone with added visual appeal. Depending on whether you prioritize sound quality, visual aesthetics, or a combination of both, either switch could offer a satisfying typing experience. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users seeking high-quality mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is apparent that the Mini i is lighter in both aspects. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter typing experience overall. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial push feel while typing. The difference in weight between the two switches may cater to different preferences among users. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Mini i could be ideal for those who prefer typing for extended periods without experiencing fatigue, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Mini i makes it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 neutral experience, making it suitable for various settings without being too loud. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is not specified, so it could vary depending on external factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a subtle tactility that enhances typing without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance.
Overall, while the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offer different tactile and linear experiences respectively, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique characteristics. Whether you prefer a subtle and bouncy feel with a neutral sound profile like the Mini i, or a polished and creamy typing experience with the New North Pole V2, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and craftsmanship from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the factors that best suit your typing preferences. If you value a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a quiet sound profile, the Mini i may be the ideal choice, especially for office settings where professionalism and comfort are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the New North Pole V2 offers a frictionless feel that retains smoothness and glide. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on whether you prioritize lightness and subtlety in typing (Mini i) or medium actuation force and a crisper feel (New North Pole V2). Consider your typing style, environment, and preferences to choose the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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