Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Dustproof Red offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that provides a gentle tactility with each keystroke, striking a balance between a muted sound profile and satisfying feedback. Ideal for office environments, these switches are lightweight and comfortable for long hours of typing without the loud clacking noises. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red is a linear switch that is known for its smooth and consistent typing experience. While it may not have the tactile feedback of the Gateron Mini i, it offers a different type of typing experience that some users may prefer. 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
60g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Dustproof Red both feature nylon bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This makes for a duller and rounder sound experience. On the other hand, the Mini i's nylon top housing contrasts with the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing. The Mini i's nylon top housing creates a deeper sound profile, while the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Dustproof Red.
In terms of sound and feel, the differences in the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Dustproof Red are evident. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. However, the top housing materials diverge in their effects on sound. The Mini i's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, in contrast to the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. These variations in sound profiles result in a different typing experience for each switch.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Dustproof Red impact the sound profiles of the switches, ultimately yielding different typing experiences, they both share the benefit of using nylon in their bottom housings. This classic switch housing material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. However, the contrasting top housing materials – nylon for the Mini i and polycarbonate for the Dustproof Red – produce distinct sound profiles, with the Mini i offering a duller sound and the Dustproof Red providing a sharper and crisper sound, particularly well-suited for RGB lighting effects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is clear that the Mini i has a lighter touch compared to the Dustproof Red. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Mini i is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Dustproof Red is slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mini i offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Red comes in at $3.10.
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 moderately neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments and users, whether at home or in an office setting. The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch's sound properties are unknown, but it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as offering a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped typing experience. These qualities provide a mix of responsiveness, comfort, and a gentle tactile feel that is well-suited for extended typing sessions. The feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is unspecified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a balance of a subtle sound profile and a pleasant typing experience, making it a versatile option for both work and casual use. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch are not specified, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results in terms of satisfaction and performance based on their respective unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lightweight and gentle tactile switch that offers a comfortable typing experience without being too loud, the Gateron Mini i switch is a great choice, especially for office environments where a quiet and professional typing experience is desired. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear switch that does not have a specific sound or feel descriptors provided, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing environment.
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