Gateron Mini i vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. The Mini i is perfect for those looking for a gentle tactility in each keystroke, with a fairly muted sound profile ideal for office environments that require quiet professionalism. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it great for environments where quieter typing is a must. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are both designed to influence the sound profile of the switches. The Mini i uses a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Mini i switches. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This gives the Silent Ink Black switches a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing.
While both switches utilize different housing materials, they each serve to enhance the overall typing experience in their own unique ways. The nylon housing of the Mini i provides a softer and more absorbing sound profile, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black delivers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, adding a distinct clacky feel to typing on those switches. These differences in housing materials make each switch stand out and cater to different preferences in sound and typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Silent Ink Black, it is important to note that each component plays a role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a more nuanced and dynamic typing experience, as the qualities of each material combine to create a unique and satisfying sound and feel when using the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Mini i is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Silent Ink Black is heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Mini i offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial and tactile feel for those who prefer a heavier push when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their force requirements, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mini i offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for faster gameplay. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on the travel distance, so the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference for response time and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 neutral sound profile, striking a balance between actuation force requirement and sound level, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile, ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more neutral sound or a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a lively and comfortable typing experience with subtle tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is characterized as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel with minimal resistance. If you enjoy a more bouncy and tactile feedback, the Mini i switch might be the better option, while if you prefer a smoother and silkier typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Mini i switch is ideal for those looking for a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a balanced sound profile, whereas the Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for users who prioritize a silent typing experience with a silky smooth feel. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment where you'll be using the keyboard. If you prefer a lightweight, easy-to-press switch with a gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Mini i is a great choice for comfortable typing in an office setting. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a smooth, polished feel, the Silent Ink Black is ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and the specific requirements of your work or home setup.
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