Gateron Mini i vs. Jerrzi Poseidon

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the Gateron Mini i and the Jerrzi Poseidon present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that provides gentle feedback with each keystroke, striking an ideal balance for office settings where a professionalism is essential. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for long hours of typing, while the subdued sound profile ensures that you can work quietly without sacrificing the satisfaction of tactile responsiveness. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon, a linear switch, offers a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, which many users prefer for rapid, uninterrupted typing or gaming. This can lead to a quieter experience and faster actuation speeds, appealing to those who prioritize speed over feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mini i Tactile

Jerrzi Poseidon Linear

$6.00 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Mini i and the Jerrzi Poseidon employ different materials for their switch housings, specifically nylon for the Mini i and POM for the Poseidon. Both nylon and POM are known for their acoustical properties, but they exhibit distinct qualities that affect sound and feel during use. The nylon used in the Mini i’s housing is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This characteristic gives the Mini i a more pronounced dampening effect, leading to a more rounded sound when typing. In contrast, POM, the material used in the Poseidon, while also capable of creating a pleasing sound, tends to produce a uniquely muted sound profile on the deeper end, thanks to its structural properties. The main similarity here is that both materials aim to deliver a rich and satisfying typing experience, albeit through slightly different acoustic mechanisms.

Examining the bottom housing, the Gateron Mini i again showcases nylon, reinforcing its soft and sound-absorbing qualities. This contributes to a consistent sound profile that continues the deeper and fuller acoustic signature throughout the entire switch. On the other hand, the Poseidon's POM bottom housing diverges from this approach, yet still achieves a muted sound profile that can align closely with the Mini i's typing experience. Given that the bottom housing's impact is more pronounced when bottoming out, both switches can yield similar end results in terms of sound dampening and overall feel. While the materials differ, the emphasis on creating a soft and absorbing sound environment is a common goal shared by both switches.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mini i and the Jerrzi Poseidon will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. While the two switches utilize different materials, their acoustic management serves to enhance the typing experience significantly. The nylon of the Mini i lends itself to a classic, plush sound, while the POM of the Poseidon offers a unique twist on muted acoustics. As both designs prioritize delivering a rich auditory experience, users may find that sound dampening and typing satisfaction remains consistent across the board. In this sense, even though they use different materials, the end results are comparable, allowing users to enjoy a high-quality typing experience regardless of their material choice.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of keystroke triggering. However, the bottom out force for the Poseidon switch is unknown, as it is not specified, whereas the Mini i has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to engage, the Mini i provides a more definitive tactile response when pressed fully down due to its measurable bottom out force. Consequently, the Mini i is considered the heavier option in terms of total force required to press the key fully, leading to a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feedback. Conversely, the Jerrzi Poseidon may be perceived as lighter if its bottom out force were to be determined and found to be lower than 50 grams. Overall, typists or gamers seeking less fatigue during extended use may prefer the Mini i, while those who value a heavier feel might find it more suitable for their needs.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.4 mm, meaning that when pressed down, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience. This equal travel distance indicates that users can expect comparable responsiveness and feel when using either switch. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that offers the same level of travel distance, both the Mini i and Poseidon switches will deliver consistent results in terms of keypress depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, the Mini i stands out with its fairly muted sound design that promotes a professional atmosphere suitable for both office use and home environments. Its neutral sound profile strikes a balance that caters to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. This subtlety allows for focused typing without intrusive noise. Conversely, the sound characteristics of the Poseidon linear switch remain unknown, leaving it unclear how it might compare against the Mini i's well-defined acoustic signature.

In terms of feel, the Mini i tactile switch offers a remarkably engaging experience, featuring a bouncy and snappy feedback that gives the impression of a lively keystroke. Its easy-to-press nature reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it exceptionally comfortable for long hours of use. The mild and subtle resistance during activation ensures that even those not accustomed to mechanical switches will find the Mini i approachable. Its stepped tactile feedback adds an additional layer of engagement, allowing one to feel a sense of progression in each keystroke. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the Poseidon linear switch are unknown, which leaves an important gap in understanding how its feel may differ from the Mini i.

In summary, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is characterized by its muted sound and varied feel that combines comfort, responsiveness, and subtlety, making it an excellent choice for office or prolonged typing use. The specifics of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch remain uncertain, leaving potential users without a clear comparison in terms of sound and tactile response. Together, the clarity of the Mini i's performance and the unknown aspects of the Poseidon create an intriguing contrast; users seeking a defined and enjoyable typing experience may find the Mini i more reliable, while the Poseidon's capabilities warrant further exploration.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a switch that offers gentle tactility with a lightweight actuation force, the Gateron Mini i is an excellent choice, especially for long hours of typing in an office or shared space. Its bouncy and subtle feel, combined with a neutral sound profile, makes it conducive to focused work without causing disruption. On the other hand, if you value smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and plan to engage in activities that benefit from linear feedback, like gaming or coding, then the Poseidon switch could still be viable, even though specific details about its characteristics are unavailable. If you enjoy a more fluid typing experience and prefer not to have tactile feedback, you might lean towards the Poseidon; however, the lack of information around it may necessitate trying it in person to truly assess its suitability. In essence, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize tactility and sound control for a professional atmosphere or seek the smooth action that a linear switch offers for other endeavors.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mini i Tactile

$6.00 per 10

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Jerrzi Poseidon Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more