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Gateron Mini i vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Polaris Purple mechanical keyboard switches, both offer tactile feedback but with distinct characteristics. The Gateron Mini i is favored for its gentle tactility and fairly muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for office settings where quiet professionalism is paramount. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is known for its big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Mini i leans towards a more subtle and easy-to-press feel, while the Polaris Purple offers a more pronounced and polished typing experience. 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

N/A

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

67g

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

Gold plated

Housing materials

The Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature unique housing materials that ultimately influence the sound and feel of the switches. The Mini i's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic properties. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing is more translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, while the nylon housing offers a more traditional and classic look.

The bottom housings of the Mini i and Polaris Purple also differ in material composition, with the Mini i featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Polaris Purple utilizing a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Mini i offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple creates a sharper and crisper sound. The combination of these different materials in the top and bottom housings of each switch contributes to the overall typing experience, impacting both the sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Polaris Purple play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Mini i's nylon housing creates a more absorbent and dull sound profile, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing produces a clearer and resonant sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the composition of their housing materials, showcasing how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches. Whether you prefer a deeper sound profile with nylon or a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate, both switches offer distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch differ significantly. The Mini i has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, but the actuation force is unknown. This means that the Polaris Purple may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. When comparing the two, it is clear that the Mini i is lighter overall, while the Polaris Purple offers a heavier typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, users may opt for the lighter Mini i for extended typing sessions, while the Polaris Purple could be chosen for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch. The Mini i's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Polaris Purple's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches offer a different tactile feel due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on which one would be the better choice. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the shorter travel distance of the Mini i will result in quicker key presses compared to the Polaris Purple.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.

The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.

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, both the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches fall under the descriptor of 'Neutral', indicating a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, and for use at home or work. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, so individual preferences may vary.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mini i is described as providing a 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped' tactile experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is described as having a 'Mild' and 'Polished' feel. While both switches offer a gentle typing experience overall, the Gateron Mini i provides a more varied and lively feel with attributes like bounciness, snappiness, and subtle resistance, while the Polaris Purple offers a smoother and polished typing experience with reduced friction.

In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches both offer satisfying tactile feedback with moderate sound profiles. The Gateron Mini i is more diverse in its feel, providing a bouncier and snappier typing experience, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple offers a polished and refined feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as the specific requirements of the keyboard setup being used.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a lightweight switch with a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet sound profile, the Gateron Mini i would be a good choice, particularly for office environments where professionalism and comfort are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple may be more to your liking, providing an exhilarating typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.

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