Gateron Mini i vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mini i and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience but with distinct characteristics. The Gateron Mini i switches prioritize a subtle entrance into office-centric keyboard technology, providing gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile. These switches are perfect for comfortable typing during long hours without the intrusive clack, catering to the quiet professionalism often required in office environments. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches boast a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, offering pronounced tactility without being overpowering. While both switches are classified as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Mini i is described as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped', while the Purple Sakura is labeled as 'Buttery'. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura both feature housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Purple Sakura employs a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, they offer different experiences to users in terms of sound quality and typing feel.
Both the Mini i and the Purple Sakura utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to their respective top housings. With nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, both switches are likely to offer a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. Despite having different top housing materials, the switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This similarity in bottom housing material allows for a cohesive typing experience across both switches, even with variations in their top housing materials.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, such as the Gateron Mini i and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials in a switch allows for a customized typing experience where users can feel the impact of each material in different aspects of typing, whether it be the actuation sound or the release sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we can see that the Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mini i is also lighter at 50 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 60 grams. The difference in weight between the two switches means that the Mini i offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for those who need to type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is 3.4 mm, which is slightly longer than the travel distance of 3.2 mm for the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular with gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Gateron Mini i offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance. Both switches will provide similar results in terms of responsiveness, with the key difference being the level of depth in the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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, both the Gateron Mini i and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches fall into the category of having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate amount of sound that is suitable for most environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced user. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i switches are described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities make for a typing experience that is responsive, comfortable, and satisfying, with just the right amount of tactility. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are characterized as buttery, mild, and snappy, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation that is super responsive.
Overall, both the Gateron Mini i and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their tactile feedback. While the Gateron Mini i switches provide a more bouncy and stepped feel, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer a buttery downstroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you go for the gentle tactility of the Gateron Mini i or the snappy response of the Purple Sakura, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mini i or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a lightweight switch with a subtle and gentle typing experience, ideal for quiet office environments and long typing sessions, then the Gateron Mini i would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher actuation force and a buttery downstroke, providing a snappy yet smooth typing sensation, then the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild tactile feel, making them versatile options for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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