Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Tom both fall under the tactile switch category. The Gateron Mini i switches are praised for their gentle tactility and fairly muted sound profile, making them ideal for office environments where quiet professionalism is key. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switches do not have a specific standout feature but are still considered tactile switches. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Gateron Mini i is known for being bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, subtle, and stepped. In contrast, the Outemu Tom's characteristics are not explicitly stated. Overall, the Gateron Mini i may be preferred for its lightweight feel and subtle tactility, perfect for long hours of comfortable typing, while the Outemu Tom's qualities remain a bit of a mystery. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Tom, it is evident that the Mini i utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent deep and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the Mini i absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Tom features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. While the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, the nylon bottom housing adds to the overall deep and fuller sound experience. This combination offers a unique blend of sound characteristics in the Tom switch.
When considering the aesthetics of the housing materials, the Mini i's nylon construction provides a classic look that complements the switch's sound profile. In contrast, the translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Tom switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. While both switches offer distinct visual features due to their housing materials, the choice between the classic nylon of the Mini i and the modern polycarbonate of the Tom ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, it is clear that the housing materials play a significant role in the overall design and functionality of these switches.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Tom result in unique sound profiles and aesthetics for each switch. While the Mini i's consistent use of nylon creates a deep and fuller sound experience, the Tom switch's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a blend of sharp, crisp, and deep tones. Whether one prefers the classic sound of nylon or the modern look of polycarbonate, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall performance and feel of mechanical switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on individual preferences for sound, aesthetics, and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which requires 55 grams. This means that the Mini i will be easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Mini i also has a lighter force of 50 grams, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Mini i will provide a softer landing when fully pressing the key compared to the Tom, which may potentially offer a more comfortable typing experience for some users. Overall, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a gentler typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. The differences in travel distance between the Mini i and Tom may not be very noticeable during regular use, as the 0.1 mm variance is quite minimal. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Tom switch, while those who enjoy a bit more depth and tactility may lean towards the Gateron Mini i. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience with their relatively short travel distances, offering a balance between speed and tactile feedback.
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 Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a neutral profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. When considering the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mini i is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, providing a range of tactile sensations and feedback during typing. Without information on the feel of the Outemu Tom switch, it is challenging to determine how it would compare in terms of typing experience. Overall, while the Gateron Mini i switch seems to offer a versatile and comfortable typing experience with a subtle sound profile suitable for office settings, the specific qualities of the Outemu Tom switch remain undisclosed, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would depend on the individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. If one is looking for a similar typing experience to the Gateron Mini i, it would be recommended to choose a switch with similar described qualities for consistent results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider the specific needs of your typing environment. If you are looking for a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a quiet sound profile, the Gateron Mini i is the way to go. These switches are ideal for office settings where a professional yet comfortable typing experience is a priority. On the other hand, if you prioritize factors such as feedback, actuation force, and sound level the Outemu Tom may be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the requirements of your typing setup.
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