Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mini i switch offers a subtle entrance into office-centric keyboard technology, providing gentle tactility with each keystroke. With a fairly muted sound profile, these switches strike a balance between quietness and satisfying feedback, making them ideal for long hours of comfortable typing in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility with a unique bottom-out sound resembling raindrops and a higher-pitched top-out sound. While the Mini i switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped', the Red Panda switch is classified as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Red Panda differ in their top housing materials. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Red Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. The Mini i's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a visually appealing translucent option for RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Red Panda use nylon for the bottom housing. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a duller and rounder sound profile. The quality of the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing consistency in typing experience between the Mini i and the Red Panda.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Red Panda differ in their top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in using nylon for the bottom housing. The qualities of each housing material contribute to the overall typing experience, with the top housing affecting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, the housing material choice can enhance the tactile feedback and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Mini i provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Red Panda offers a more substantial and tactile typing feel, appealing to users who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback when typing. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to more traditional switches at 4.0 mm. Gamers may gravitate towards the Mini i for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Red Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the feel of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it a versatile option for both beginners and experienced users. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is known for its thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying noise when pressed. This creates a different auditory experience compared to the Mini i, with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These characteristics provide a lively and responsive typing experience with gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the contrary, the Outemu Red Panda switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience with qualities that fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. While both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, the Mini i offers a more varied and responsive experience compared to the Red Panda's focus on a mild and approachable typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mini i provides a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press typing experience, while the Red Panda delivers a thocky sound and a mild typing feel. Both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on the user's desired sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Gateron Mini i or the Outemu Red Panda, you can expect a high-quality tactile switch that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a lightweight typing experience with a subtle tactility and quiet sound profile, the Gateron Mini i would be a suitable choice, especially for office environments where a professional and non-intrusive typing sound is preferred. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a more pronounced tactility and a deeper, thocky sound, the Outemu Red Panda would be the better option. The Red Panda may be more suitable for users who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel with a bit more character in both sound and feel. Ultimately, consider your typing style, environment, and personal preferences when selecting between these two tactile switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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