Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i is praised for its gentle tactility and subtle entrance into the realm of office-centric keyboard technology. With a fairly muted sound profile, this switch provides satisfying feedback without the intrusive clack, making it ideal for long hours of comfortable typing in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a different typing experience with a loud, satisfying click sound with each keystroke. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific usage scenarios; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
Both the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon as the material for both their top and bottom switch housings. This shared material gives both switches a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The nylon housing also adds a level of durability to the switches, making them long-lasting options for keyboard enthusiasts.
While the housing material for both switches is the same, the design and construction of the switches may create subtle differences in the typing experience. For the Gateron Mini i, the qualities of the nylon housing are evenly distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze may have a different distribution of these qualities, affecting the overall typing feel and sound in a unique way that caters to a specific preference within the keyboard community.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Spring Breeze may come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Both switches offer a similar nylon housing material that provides a deep and full typing sound, but the distribution of these qualities within the switches may create slight variations in the overall feel and sound. Whether you prefer a more balanced typing experience with the Gateron Mini i or a unique feel with the Outemu Spring Breeze, both switches offer a durable and high-quality option for keyboard enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, the actuation force of both switches is the same at 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Mini i is lighter at 50 grams, while the Spring Breeze is slightly heavier at 55 grams. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Mini i would be the better option. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Spring Breeze. Both switches provide a similar actuation force, ensuring consistent results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Mini i the shorter travel distance of the two. The difference may seem minimal, but for some users, even a slight variance in travel distance can make a noticeable difference in feel and response. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mini i for faster response times, while others may prefer the deeper travel of the Spring Breeze for a more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific use case.
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 Spring Breeze 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 that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it a versatile option suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, providing a range of characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. In contrast, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is not provided, preventing a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, if you're looking for a switch that offers a gentle tactility, a moderate sound profile, and a variety of feel options to choose from, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be a solid choice. However, for those considering the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, without detailed information on its sound and feel qualities, it may be more challenging to make a direct comparison to the Gateron Mini i. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing needs when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you're looking for a switch that offers gentle tactility and a quiet typing experience suitable for office settings, the Gateron Mini i would be a great choice with its lightweight feel and muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-light bottom out force for a more pronounced typing feedback, the Outemu Spring Breeze might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. Consider your typing needs and preferences to determine which switch would best suit your keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
