Gateron Mini i vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mini i and KTT Purple Click offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch designed for office environments, providing a gentle but noticeable feedback with each keystroke. Its lightweight design facilitates long hours of typing while maintaining a muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a quieter workspace without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of their input. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click, known for its crisp and resonant click, delivers a more invigorating typing experience. The pronounced tactility paired with a high-pitched click can enhance the joy of typing, appealing to users who find auditory feedback motivating and enjoyable. While the Mini i is perfect for professional settings that demand discretion, the Purple Click caters to enthusiasts seeking an engaging and lively keyboard 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and KTT Purple Click switches each utilize distinct materials for their top housing, leading to markedly different auditory experiences. The Mini i's nylon top housing is designed for a warmer, more rounded sound profile due to nylon's inherent softness, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feedback. The differences in material thus result in unique auditory experiences; typing on the Mini i provides a deeper tone, while the Purple Click offers a high-pitched clarity.
When considering the bottom housings, both the Gateron Mini i and KTT Purple Click share the same material—nylon. This commonality between the two switches means that the sound profile and feel during key presses will be similar in certain aspects. Both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out due to the nylon material used in their bottom housings. Consequently, it is the top housing that plays a more significant role in differentiating the auditory experience of each switch, while the bottom housing ensures a consistent tactile feedback that allows both switches to maintain a fuller sound upon keystrokes.
In summary, while the Gateron Mini i and KTT Purple Click switches differ in their top housing materials, they converge with their nylon bottom housings, resulting in similarities in feel and sound profile during key presses. The Mini i's nylon top provides a muted sound, good for those seeking a subtler typing experience, whereas the Purple Click's polycarbonate housing enhances clarity and brightness in sound. Thus, while users may find distinct auditory experiences when pressing and releasing the keys due to the top housing materials, both switches incorporate the same deep sound characteristics stemming from their nylon bottoms, allowing for a familiar tactile experience across the two.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we see some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Mini i having a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Purple Click requires a slightly heavier 55 grams to fully press down. This makes the Mini i marginally lighter overall compared to the Purple Click, which might appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the slightly higher bottom out force of the Purple Click offers a firmer feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize a lighter switch for extended use, the Gateron Mini i would be the better choice, whereas the KTT Purple Click might be suited for those who appreciate a heavier feedback sensation while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, the Gateron Mini i has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Purple Click features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mini i may appeal to gamers and users who seek quicker response times, enhancing speed and efficiency during fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Purple Click switch provides a more substantial tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a more traditional and satisfying typing experience. Thus, users looking for a more responsive and snappy feel would benefit from the Gateron Mini i, whereas those who favor a deeper and more deliberate keystroke would find the KTT Purple Click more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is characterized by a fairly muted, neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for office environments where a quieter typing experience is valued. It strikes a balance that allows for a satisfying yet unobtrusive auditory feedback, ensuring that the typing sounds do not disturb those around you. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch boasts a more pronounced and engaging auditory experience, producing a high-pitched, crunchy click that provides a sharp and resonant sound with every keystroke. This makes the Purple Click particularly delightful for users who enjoy the extra auditory feedback and find those crisp sounds stimulating.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i offers a gentle tactile sensation that is both easy to press and bouncy, providing a lightweight and comfortable typing experience. This design allows for prolonged typing without undue fatigue, making it suitable for long sessions, as it combines a subtle but noticeable feedback with a comfortable actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click introduces a more invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, while still maintaining a tactile bump through its stepped feel. This combination ensures a responsive and reactive typing experience that many users find engaging, though its firmness might be a contrast to the ease and mildness of the Gateron Mini i.
In summary, while both switches offer distinct qualities tailored to different preferences, they cater to varying needs. The Gateron Mini i excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience, ideal for professional settings, whereas the KTT Purple Click offers a more lively and audible feedback for enthusiasts who appreciate a pronounced auditory and tactile interaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a subtle, quiet environment or a more vibrant and expressive typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, the choice ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a more subdued typing experience that prioritizes comfort over noise while allowing for extended typing sessions, the Gateron Mini i would be your ideal choice. Its lightweight feel and gentle tactility make it perfect for prolonged use, especially in office settings where quiet operation is a priority. On the other hand, if you are drawn to an auditory typing experience with a satisfying click and a pronounced tactile feedback, the KTT Purple Click switch will suit you better. Its invigorating response, combined with a medium-light actuation force, can enhance your typing experience and give you that gratifying sound. Ultimately, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound as you make your decision, ensuring it aligns with your personal typing style and workplace requirements.
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