Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options within the realm of tactile switches are the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Purple. The Gateron Mini i is particularly appealing for those seeking a balanced typing experience; it offers a gentle tactility that delivers satisfying feedback without an overwhelming noise level, making it well-suited for office environments where a quieter keypress is essential. Its lightweight design and muted sound profile facilitate long hours of comfortable typing, ideal for professionals. In contrast, while lacking specific standout features, the Outemu Purple switch contributes to a tactile experience that may appeal to users looking for more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Overall, those who prioritize silence and smooth performance may lean toward the Gateron Mini i, whereas users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel may find the Outemu Purple enticing. 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
N/A
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Purple switches, it becomes evident that they take different approaches to their design specifications, particularly concerning the top housing. The Mini i utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity, leading to a higher-pitched and crisper sound. Therefore, while both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, their sound characteristics are distinct due to the varying properties of nylon and polycarbonate.
In contrast, both the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Purple feature nylon in their bottom housing, which creates a sense of consistency between the two. With the softness of nylon present in both models, users can expect a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as the bottom housing significantly influences the tactile feedback and sound during key presses. Given that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in how these switches feel and sound at their lowest point, the nylon material in both the Mini i and Purple ensures a similar auditory experience when the key is pressed down, grounding the overall performance of both switches in a united acoustic characteristic.
Overall, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Gateron Mini i and Outemu Purple highlight the varied approach to sound design in mechanical switches. While the Mini i's nylon top offers a more subdued and rounded tone, the Purple's polycarbonate top enhances projection and clarity. Nevertheless, with both switches utilizing nylon in their bottom housings, aspects of their sound profiles will share a commonality. This dual-material design allows for a blend of characteristics where the bottom housing's properties offer a cohesive experience, even if the top housings produce markedly different auditory results. Thus, users seeking varied sound profiles can choose based on their preferred upper housing material without completely sacrificing the familiarities presented by the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, their actuation forces indicate a noticeable difference in feel and responsiveness. The Mini i features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which contributes to a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended sessions, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Purple has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. However, the bottom out force of the Outemu Purple is unknown, preventing a complete comparison of their bottoming out characteristics. Consequently, the Gateron Mini i's bottom out force is at 50 grams, allowing for a consistent feel throughout the keystroke. Overall, for users seeking a lighter switch that eases long typing tasks, the Gateron Mini i stands out, whereas those who appreciate a firmer feedback should lean towards the heavier Outemu Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there’s a notable difference. The Gateron Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Purple features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.6 mm difference means that the Mini i switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prioritize quicker response times, whereas the longer 4 mm travel of the Purple switch caters to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and depth when typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Gateron Mini i would be the better choice, while those who prefer a deeper engagement might opt for the Outemu Purple.
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 Purple 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 switch offers a moderately neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office. This balance allows for comfortable typing without drawing too much attention, which is essential for maintaining a professional atmosphere. The subdued acoustics of the Mini i, while still satisfying, prevent it from becoming intrusive, ensuring that it fits well in shared spaces. Unfortunately, details regarding the sound qualities of the Outemu Purple switch are not provided, leaving its characteristics unexamined.
When considering feel, the Gateron Mini i switches excel in providing a combination of tactile feedback that is both bouncy and easy to press. Their gentle resistance contributes to a low-impact typing experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. The switches are designed with a mild tactile response that appeals to a wide range of typists. The snappy nature of the Mini i enhances this engagement, allowing for a lively and responsive experience without being overwhelming. In contrast, there's no available information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switch, which makes it difficult to offer a direct comparison in this area.
In summary, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch stands out due to its balanced sound profile and comfortable, responsive feel, making it a great choice for both casual and office typing scenarios. While its sound is quiet and unobtrusive, the feel is designed to enhance typing efficiency without causing fatigue. Unfortunately, the lack of information on the Outemu Purple switch means that we can't draw any definitive comparisons; however, those interested in quieter, office-friendly solutions would likely find the Mini i to be a reliable option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight, nearly silent typing experience that suits long hours at the office, the Gateron Mini i is an excellent choice. Its gentle tactility and snappy responsiveness provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience without the distracting clack often associated with mechanical switches, making it an ideal option for professional environments where noise levels must be kept in check. On the other hand, if you're exploring the tactile feedback experience or are considering using your keyboard for gaming or general use where sound isn't a concern, the Outemu Purple may suit your needs, providing a more pronounced tactile feel, though specific characteristics regarding its sound and force remain unspecified. Ultimately, assess how each switch aligns with your typing style, environment, and frequency of use to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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