Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that provides a gentle tactile bump with each keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a subtle feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, resulting in a quieter typing experience. While the Mini i is ideal for office settings with its quiet and comfortable typing experience, the Silent Yellow is favored for its silent operation, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. 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
2.20 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 housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their top housings. The Mini i's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The nylon top housing of the Mini i absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow, being a stiffer plastic, creates a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow is clear and ideal for RGB lighting, while the Mini i's nylon top housing lacks translucency.
On the other hand, when comparing the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Mini i and the Silent Yellow feature nylon material. This means that both switches offer a similar deep and fuller sound profile due to the absorbent nature of nylon. The softer plastic of the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a rounder sound, creating a consistent auditory experience when typing on either switch. While the bottom housing may not be as impactful on the overall sound profile as the top housing, its role is still significant in shaping the switch's sound and feel during typing.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches lead to distinct sound profiles. The Mini i's nylon top housing provides a deeper and duller sound, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound. Despite both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, their overall sound profiles are still unique due to the contrasting top housing materials. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities allows for a varied typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
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 more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. The Mini i is ideal for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, thanks to its lighter weight, while the Silent Yellow is better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the Mini i being lighter and the Silent Yellow being heavier. Those looking for similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces can expect a consistent typing experience with either switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, it is clear that the Gateron Mini i has a shorter travel distance than the Outemu Silent Yellow. The shorter travel distance of the Gateron Mini i may appeal to those looking for a more responsive typing experience, such as gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 Silent Yellow 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 a variety of settings and users. It strikes a balance between being audible enough to provide feedback without being overly loud or intrusive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities come together to offer a typing experience that is gentle, responsive, and comfortable, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is unknown.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Mini i provides a balance of gentle tactility, a fairly muted sound profile, and a comfortable typing experience with its bouncy and easy-to-press nature. On the other hand, the specific qualities of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch remain unknown. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Nonetheless, if a user is seeking a similar typing experience to the Gateron Mini i switch, they may find comparable results by selecting another mechanical keyboard switch with similar characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the specific needs of your typing experience. If you prioritize a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a muted sound profile for a quiet office environment, the Gateron Mini i may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a linear feel and no audible feedback, the Outemu Silent Yellow could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. Choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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