Gateron Mini i vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron North Pole V2. The Mini i is a tactile switch that offers a gentle tactility in each keystroke, making it ideal for office environments where a quiet and professional typing experience is desired. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is a linear switch that provides a gummy and creamy typing feel, with a deep and muted sound profile for a satisfying typing experience. While the Mini i is known for its easy-to-press and bouncy keys, the North Pole V2 offers a subdued and polished 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
65g
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
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron North Pole V2, it is clear that they both prioritize sound profiles, albeit in different ways. The Mini i's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. While both materials aim to enhance the auditory experience of typing on the switches, they do so in contrasting ways based on their unique properties.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron North Pole V2 also diverge. The Mini i's nylon housing is opaque and lacks the translucency of polycarbonate, making it more suitable for users who prefer a solid, classic look. In contrast, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing is clear, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through and enhance the visual appeal of the switches. This difference in appearance can play a significant role in the overall design and customization options for mechanical keyboards using these switches.
When considering the impact of having different materials for the top and bottom housings of a switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are dispersed throughout the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the tactile feedback when pressing a key, while the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distribution of properties creates a dynamic typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of both nylon and polycarbonate materials for a balanced and engaging typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches have different weight preferences, with the Mini i being lighter and the North Pole V2 being medium-heavy. Overall, depending on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience, you can choose the switch that aligns with your preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance compared to the Mini i. Generally, a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying key press for some users who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Mini i may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the North Pole V2 offering a longer travel distance and the Mini i providing a shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 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 sound profile that strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and sound level, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a subdued sound profile, offering a more muted typing experience compared to most switches. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, both switches can deliver a satisfying sound output.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a mild and subtle resistance that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. The keys have a lively feel, offering a responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch delivers a gummy and creamy typing feel, providing a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. With both switches offering unique tactile feedback, you can expect an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch each bring distinctive qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Mini i offers a more neutral sound profile and bouncy typing feel, the North Pole V2 provides a subdued sound and gummy typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying and unique typing experience that caters to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, whether you choose the Mini i tactile switch or the North Pole V2 linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you're in an office setting where a quieter typing experience is preferred, the Mini i tactile switch with its light actuation force and gentle tactility would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a chewy feel, the North Pole V2 linear switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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