Gateron Mini i vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Sea Glass stand out for their distinct characteristics. The Gateron Mini i offers a tactile typing experience, with gentle tactility that provides satisfying feedback without a loud sound profile. Ideal for office settings, these switches are lightweight and easy to press, making them perfect for long hours of comfortable typing without disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass presents a linear typing experience with a unique dry, airy feel that defies its 62g bottom-out force. Despite the weight, these switches feel frictionless and smooth, emitting a hollow sound signature. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on preference and the specific typing experience you seek. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Durock Sea Glass both use nylon for their top housing material, but the Sea Glass incorporates a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. While both materials offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, the Sea Glass blend leans towards a brighter sound. This unique blend of materials in the Sea Glass top housing creates a sound profile that is not overly sharp but still stands out for its pleasant tone. In contrast, the Mini i's nylon top housing provides a rounder and duller sound, making it a popular choice for those looking for a softer typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their composition. The Mini i uses nylon for its bottom housing, while the Sea Glass integrates a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch when it is pressed down. The Sea Glass's unique blend offers a brighter sound, in contrast to the rounder and duller sound produced by the Mini i's nylon bottom housing. These differences in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Sea Glass utilize nylon for their top housing material, the Sea Glass sets itself apart with its specific blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This unique blend contributes to a brighter sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the Mini i. Additionally, the bottom housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. Overall, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial push feel during typing. While the Mini i offers a lighter touch, the Sea Glass provides a medium-weight option for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Mini i being lighter and the Sea Glass being heavier for those seeking a specific typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mini i. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quick response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Sea Glass offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Mini i. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for travel distance and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a fairly muted sound profile, creating a quiet and professional typing experience suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch emits a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a distinct auditory element to your typing sessions. However, both switches provide a satisfying feedback without being disruptive, ensuring a pleasant typing experience that won't disturb those around you.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i switch is known for its bouncy and easy-to-press qualities, offering a spring-like rebound and requiring minimal force for activation. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch provides a frictionless feel, with an extremely smooth and fluid travel that minimizes any sense of resistance. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, further enhancing the typing experience by requiring minimal exertion from your fingers.
Overall, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Mini i provides a balanced and subtle typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its distinct dryness and airiness in both feel and sound. Whether you prefer a gentle and bouncy typing sensation or a smoother and frictionless feel, both switches deliver satisfying feedback and a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing environment you need them for.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light and bouncy typing experience with a subtle sound profile suitable for office settings, the Gateron Mini i switch with its 50g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing feel with a weightless sensation despite the 62g bottom-out force, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a unique typing experience with a distinct dryness and wispiness. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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