Gateron Mini i vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Rice Pudding stand out for different reasons. The Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, is designed to enhance office productivity with its gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feedback of each keystroke. Its lightweight feel makes it perfect for extended typing sessions, catering to the needs of professionals seeking comfort and discretion in their work environment. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a unique combination of smooth operation and a deeper sound, appealing to enthusiasts looking for performance and versatility. With its balanced typing experience, this hall effect switch excels in both satisfaction and precision, and its compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards adds an extra layer of appeal for those who prioritize adaptability in their setup. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, we observe notable differences in their top housings, while the bottom housings exhibit similarities. The Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, which, due to its softer plastic composition, generates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, contributing to a crisper auditory experience. This distinction in materiality fundamentally influences the auditory feedback of each switch while typing, offering users distinct sound characteristics based on their choice.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, leading to a shared auditory experience in that regard. The nylon bottom housing in the Mini i, similar to the Rice Pudding, results in a deeper and fuller sound when the key is bottomed out. This commonality helps to balance out the differing traits of the top housings. Consequently, while each switch's top housing produces a unique sound profile—deeper and rounded for the Mini i and sharper for the Rice Pudding—the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users can expect a similar tactile and auditory feedback during the key’s downstroke. In essence, while each switch offers a distinct character driven by their top housing, the similarity in the bottom housing serves as a bonding element in their overall performance.
This juxtaposition of housing materials allows for a nuanced exploration of typing experiences. The combination of nylon at the base in both cases ensures that the deeper, more muted acoustic profile remains present during key presses, while the contrasting top housings influence the sound produced on release. Users who prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Gateron Mini i for its fuller sound, while those preferring a clearer, crisper sound may opt for the Rice Pudding. Regardless of choice, the end result remains a switch optimized for a specific auditory experience, demonstrating how the interplay between top and bottom housing materials can shape the overall typing experience, catering to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both switches exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Mini i requires an actuation force of 40 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Mini i. Users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Rice Pudding more appealing, as its lower forces can enhance comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Mini i offers a marginally stronger feel, which could appeal to those who enjoy more resistance while typing. Overall, while both switches are light, the Rice Pudding has the edge in terms of reduced force, making it the preferable choice for users seeking the lightest experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find that the Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Rice Pudding offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're aiming for a more responsive feel ideal for gaming, the Gateron Mini i is the better option due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more depth during your key presses, the Everglide Rice Pudding would suit your tastes better. Overall, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional options, the Mini i's 3.4 mm travel makes it the shorter choice, and the Rice Pudding's 3.5 mm travel establishes it as the longer alternative.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 switches provide a neutral auditory experience, characterized by a moderate sound profile that is conducive for both home and office environments. This allows for a typing experience that's unobtrusive yet satisfying, making them particularly appealing to those who appreciate a calmer setting without compromising on feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches deliver a deeper sound, resulting in a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This can create a more engaging acoustical experience, perfect for enthusiasts who revel in the sounds of their keystrokes. However, the overall sound produced by any switch will still depend on external factors such as the keyboard casing and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Mini i switches excel with a bouncy and responsive sensation, offering a gentle yet lively typing experience. Their easy-to-press design means that minimal force is required to activate each key, which helps reduce finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions. The switches also feature a subtle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the specifics of the feel for the Rice Pudding switches remain undefined in this context, leaving some uncertainty about their tactile feedback and user experience. This lack of information makes it challenging to provide direct comparisons in this area.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i switches are ideal for users seeking a quiet, comfortable, and responsive typing experience, making them suitable for professional settings. Their neutral sound and gentle tactile feedback cater to those who prioritize subdued interaction while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches lean toward a more pronounced auditory experience with an unspecified feel, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate deeper sound profiles. The choice between these two options ultimately hinges on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but the Mini i provides a clearer advantage for quieter and longer typing sessions in shared spaces.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Mini i tactile switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches will ultimately depend on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you find yourself in a professional environment where quiet, comfortable typing is paramount, the Mini i switches would be an excellent choice. Their lightweight design and subtle tactile feedback create an enjoyable typing experience without the distraction of loud clicks, making them perfect for long hours at the office or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you are an enthusiast seeking a more dynamic typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Rice Pudding switches deliver smooth operation and satisfying performance. Their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances their appeal for versatile setups. So, consider your typical use case: for a more muted approach focused on comfort, go with the Gateron Mini i. For a richer auditory experience and increased excitement in your typing, opt for the Everglide Rice Pudding switches.
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