Gateron Mini i vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can significantly impact your overall experience. The Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, is designed for those who prefer a gentle feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for office environments. Its subtle tactility combined with a muted sound profile allows for comfortable, extended typing sessions without the distraction of loud clicks, catering to the need for professionalism and focus. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, a linear switch, offers a feather-light touch that provides a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for users who favor speed and fluidity in their typing style. While the Sakura may deliver a satisfying experience with medium acoustics, it may not offer the same tactile feedback that some users appreciate. Both switches each cater to different preferences: the Mini i for those seeking comfort and subtlety and the Sakura for users who desire a seamless typing 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and Huano Sakura switches, notable distinctions emerge in their top housing construction. The Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material renowned for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, as the nylon dampens auditory sharpness, creating a rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sakura features a POK top housing, which is made of polyketone. This material, while providing a smoother typing feel due to its lower coefficient of friction, contributes to a distinct "clacky" sound that differs from the subdued tone of nylon. The durability of POK also means that while both housings are effective in their own ways, the Sakura offers a performance that is potentially more consistent over time, given its superior shock and wear resistance.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, with nylon being the chosen material for both the Gateron Mini i and the Huano Sakura. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both sets serves to enhance the typing experience by providing that fuller sound profile, which is crucial for a satisfying keystroke. The enduring characteristics of nylon, including sound absorption, means that both switches exhibit a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. This similarity suggests that when pressed, both switches will deliver a comparable tactile experience, emphasizing the characteristics imparted by the bottom housing.
In summary, while the Gateron Mini i and Huano Sakura switches exhibit divergent sound characteristics and material properties in their top housings, they align in their bottom housing construction, both employing nylon. This results in a shared auditory quality that ensures a fuller sound profile when the key is fully pressed down. Consequently, users may find that while the overall sound signature of the switches differs upon release due to the distinct properties of the top housings, the key feel and sound produced upon bottoming out remain effectively comparable because of the nylon materials employed in their lower structures. The interplay between the two different top housing materials and the consistent bottom housing allows these switches to present unique yet rooted performances in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mini i switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura switch is both lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Mini i, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons for those who prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i, with its slightly heavier forces, may be more appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side of the spectrum, the Huano Sakura offers a softer feel, whereas the Gateron Mini i presents a firmer yet still manageable typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mini i is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers or users who favor quicker response times, as shorter travel distances allow for faster keystrokes. In contrast, the Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel, providing greater physical feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and depth in keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is fairly muted, making it a thoughtful choice for office environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. It produces a neutral sound that balances actuation force and acoustic presence, ensuring that the clacking noise typical of mechanical switches is significantly subdued. This quality makes the Mini i suitable not only for individual use but also for shared spaces where others may be working nearby. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Huano Sakura linear switch are less defined in this context. While they are known for their medium acoustics, the specifics in terms of tonal qualities or decibel levels are not extensively detailed, leaving some uncertainty about how they would compare directly in an office setting.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i is characterized by its bouncy, easy-to-press nature, which provides a gentle yet responsive typing experience. The tactile feedback is mild, creating a comfortable typing interaction without overwhelming tactile resistance, contributing to reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the subtlety in the switch design allows for a pleasant sensation that doesn't distract the user, making it ideal for prolonged use. The characteristics of the Huano Sakura linear switch, however, remain largely unspecified, limiting our understanding of how its feel compares to the Mini i. Without explicit details on its resistance, tactility, or feedback during key presses, we cannot draw conclusions about the tactile enjoyment or user experience one might expect when typing.
Overall, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch stands out for its muted sound profile and comfortable tactile feedback, making it a strong contender for anyone prioritizing a professional typing environment. In contrast, while the Huano Sakura linear switch offers a feather-light touch and medium sound acoustics, the lack of specific descriptors about its tactile experience leaves some gaps in comparison. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that embodies a quiet, comfortable typing experience, the Mini i would likely be the more reliable option, while opting for the Sakura may offer different qualities that are yet to be fully understood.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your preferences and usage scenarios will greatly influence your choice. If you're looking for a switch that combines a lightweight feel with gentle tactile feedback, ideal for long typing sessions in quiet office environments, the Mini i would be a great fit. Its subtle tactile bump and neutral sound profile make it an excellent choice for professional settings, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keypress with less tactile feedback, the Sakura switch is perfect for you. With its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, the Sakura excels in providing a seamless typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the subtle tactile feedback and bouncy feel of the Mini i or the sleek and soft experience offered by the Sakura switch.
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