Gateron Mini i vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Mini i is designed with office environments in mind, offering a gentle tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly noisy, making it a perfect choice for those who need to maintain a professional atmosphere while enjoying the satisfaction of a responsive keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a smooth, medium-weight action with a distinctive thocky sound that adds a satisfying auditory element to each press, making it appealing for users who appreciate a more pronounced sensory experience in their typing. While the Mini i is ideal for prolonged typing sessions with its lightweight, snappy feel that reduces fatigue, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a balance of tactile enjoyment and a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, with the Mini i utilizing a nylon top and bottom housing while the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, as noted, is a classic material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to its relatively softer nature, which offers sound absorption capabilities that result in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, POM (Polyoxymethylene) is known for its smooth feel and unique sound characteristics that lean towards a deeper yet distinctively muted tone. Thus, while both switches may aim for a satisfying acoustic profile, their materials impart different qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
When considering the implications of these different housing materials on performance, it becomes apparent that users may experience varied typing sensations and sound profiles depending on the housing. The Mini i’s nylon construction contributes to a rounder and duller sound signature, enhancing the acoustic resonance of each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie benefits from POM's inherent attributes, leading to a uniquely textured experience that balances a similar muted resonance with potentially more clarity in sound. Each switch showcases its material's strengths; however, users might find that the overall typing experience—though distinct due to housing material—shares a common emphasis on sound absorption and muted audio feedback.
In terms of bottom-out sound and the feel of each keystroke, the bottom housing plays a crucial role. For both the Mini i and the Sea Salt Smoothie, the nylon bottom housing of the former contributes to its deeper sound, while the POM bottom housing of the latter maintains a pleasing auditory experience. Despite different materials, it is possible for users to achieve a comparable overall experience due to the common ground they share in sound dampening and muted feedback. This interplay between the top and bottom housings can create a harmonious typing experience, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their preferences based on the nuanced sound differences created by each switch's design. Thus, while the materials differ greatly, the intention of creating satisfying acoustic feedback remains evident in both switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there's a noticeable difference in their actuation forces. The Mini i features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that context. The Mini i's bottom out force is 50 grams, providing a clear endpoint for keystrokes. Overall, the Mini i is the lighter option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is the heavier one, offering users different experiences based on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference implies that users who opt for the Mini i may experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quick key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer 3.7 mm travel, may offer a more satisfying depth that some users prefer for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Thus, if you prioritize speedy reactions, the Gateron Mini i is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 tactile switch excels in delivering a muted and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for both office and home environments. Its subtle sound allows for uninterrupted typing sessions without being overly distracting, making it suitable for shared workspaces. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, adding a rich auditory satisfaction that may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper sound when typing. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound experience of both switches can be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap materials used, so individual results may vary.
In terms of feel, the Mini i switch is characterized by its bouncy, easy-to-press action, offering a comfortable rebound effect with each keystroke. Its mild and subtle tactile feedback caters well to users looking for a gentle yet responsive typing experience, reducing fatigue over long sessions. The snappy nature adds an invigorating touch, making every keypress feel lively. On the other hand, while the Sea Salt Smoothie’s specific feel characteristics remain unknown, it is designed as a medium-weight switch which often correlates with a satisfying experience. This weight usually provides a balanced mix of resistance and smoothness, contributing to a pleasant typing experience, albeit without the tactile bump that might come from the Mini i.
In summary, both the Gateron Mini i and Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Mini i focuses on a quieter sound with subtle tactile feedback, making it ideal for professional environments, while the Sea Salt Smoothie promises a more resonant auditory experience typically preferred by enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a silent yet tactile typing sensation or a deeper, more engaging auditory experience. Each switch offers a distinct profile to enhance the typing experience based on personal preference, making either an excellent addition to your keyboard collection.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a switch that provides a gentle tactile feel with a lightweight actuation force, the Mini i is an excellent choice, especially if you plan to use it in an office setting where quieter operation is paramount. Its bouncy and snappy characteristics, combined with a muted sound profile, ensure a comfortable and satisfying typing experience without being disruptive. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the idea of a smoother typing feel with a more robust sound signature, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more your style. Its medium weight and exceptional smoothness deliver a satisfying thocky sound that can enhance your typing enjoyment, particularly in less constrained environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal comfort and the context in which you’ll primarily use your keyboard.
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