Gateron Mini i vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Oreo are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Gateron Mini i switches are perfect for office environments, providing gentle tactility without sacrificing the satisfying feedback of typing. These switches are lightweight and have a fairly muted sound profile, making them ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without being too disruptive. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. They provide a medium light tactility that strikes a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
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
POM
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
The Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Oreo both offer unique qualities in terms of their housing materials. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer distinct characteristics, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
On the bottom housing front, the Gateron Mini i and Everglide Oreo once again diverge in their materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Mini i produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, allowing users to fine-tune their preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom sections of a switch can create a distinct typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether opting for the Gateron Mini i with its nylon housing or the Everglide Oreo with its polycarbonate housing, users can expect a customized typing experience based on the unique qualities each material brings to the table. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, compared to the Oreo's slightly heavier 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Mini i requires 50 grams, while the Oreo is slightly heavier at 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Mini i, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Everglide Oreo. Both switches offer a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out force, but the Oreo provides a slightly heavier feel overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Oreo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mini i. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing or gaming experience based on personal preferences. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Mini i with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press feel may opt for the Oreo with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments and typing styles. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch provides a chirpy sound that adds a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can deliver a pleasant sound experience that enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These characteristics combine to offer a typing experience that is responsive and comfortable, with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch is described as accented and stepped, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile bump that enhances the typing feedback without being too harsh on your fingers.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i and Everglide Oreo switches both offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Mini i provides a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, gentle typing experience, the Oreo offers a chirpy sound and a medium level of tactility. Ultimately, both switches excel in providing a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel. If one is looking for a tactile switch that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort, either the Gateron Mini i or the Everglide Oreo switch would be a solid choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a lightweight typing experience with a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for quiet office settings, the Mini i may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a medium-light tactility with a crisp tactile bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Oreo switch could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique features and it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style best.
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