Gateron Mini i vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, and the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Mini i switches provide a subtle entrance into the world of office-centric keyboard tech, offering gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile ideal for quiet professionalism. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switches offer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. While the Mini i is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, the Sage is invigorating, sharp, and crunchy. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but deciding between them requires deeper exploration to determine the best fit for your typing style and 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The key difference between the Gateron Mini i and the Kailh Sage lies in the material used for their housing. While the Mini i features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, the Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly affect the typing experience for users, with the Mini i offering a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sage delivers a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Kailh Sage allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Mini i and Kailh Sage opt for a nylon material. This choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches, as the nylon material absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. This consistency in the bottom housing material may appeal to users who value a consistent typing experience across different switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and Kailh Sage play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While the Mini i's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Sage's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between these two switches may ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, with the Mini i providing a softer and more subdued typing experience, while the Sage offers a more clear and resonant sound with the added bonus of RGB lighting capabilities. Whether you prefer the duller sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that they have different weight specifications. The Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, with an unknown actuation force. The Mini i provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. On the other hand, the Sage offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Mini i being lighter and the Sage being heavier. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Gateron Mini i for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Kailh Sage with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mini i and Kailh Sage will come down to personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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 tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a crunchy and distinct clicky typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more audible feedback while typing. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is known for its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. It falls on the milder side of the spectrum, offering a gentle resistance that is suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, with a pronounced feedback intensity that creates a more immersive typing sensation. These switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mini i provides a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the Sage switch delivers a distinct clicky sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer quality options to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a lightweight switch with subtle tactility and a muted sound profile, ideal for an office setting or long typing sessions, the Gateron Mini i would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier switch with a distinct clicky typing experience that provides a sharp feedback, the Kailh Sage would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you prefer and where you will be using the keyboard the most.
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