Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Silent Green offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that is best known for its gentle tactility, providing a subtle feedback with each keystroke. It boasts a fairly muted sound profile, making it ideal for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch that does not have any distinct features. However, it is known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent feel. While the Gateron Mini i is bouncy, easy-to-press, and subtle, the Outemu Silent Green remains neutral and snappy. Both switches have their own advantages, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences. 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Silent Green both feature nylon top housing materials, which provide a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This split in housing materials allows for a dynamic sound experience when typing on these switches, with each press and release offering a unique sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the Mini i and the Silent Green differ in their top housing materials - the Mini i utilizes nylon while the Silent Green features polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, providing a clear housing that allows the lighting to shine through. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Mini i offers a more classic look without the translucency of polycarbonate. Despite these differences, both switches still aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials contributing to their sound profiles.
While there are differences between the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Silent Green, the overall typing experience may offer similar results. Both switches use their housing materials to enhance the sound profile, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound in the Mini i, and polycarbonate creating a sharper and crisper sound in the Silent Green. Whether one prefers the softer, rounder sound of nylon or the clearer, resonant sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mini i is also lighter at 50 grams, while the Silent Green requires a heavier 60 grams to bottom out. The Mini i offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, whereas the Silent Green provides a more substantial push feel, ideal for individuals who prefer a stronger typing experience. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, with the Mini i being lighter and the Silent Green being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on desired typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent Green switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Mini i may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Green switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Silent Green 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 neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and users, whether beginner or advanced, at home or in the office. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound profile is not available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press experience, offering a lively feel with minimal force required for key presses. The switch also has a mild and subtle typing feel, ideal for a wide range of users. Additionally, the Mini i switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not available.
Overall, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is a versatile option that offers a gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for quiet office environments. With its bouncy and easy-to-press keys, as well as its snappy and subtle characteristics, it ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience for a wide range of users. While information on the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is limited, based on available data, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel with the Gateron Mini i switch for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prioritize a light bottom out force for comfortable typing during long hours in a quiet office environment, the Gateron Mini i is the way to go. Its subtle tactility and muted sound profile make it a professional and unobtrusive option for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a linear switch with no tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Green may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of your typing environment.
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