Gateron Mini i vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mini i and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, you have two distinct options to consider. The Gateron Mini i offers a tactile typing experience with gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, making it ideal for office settings where a quiet professionalism is desired. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red provides a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, perfect for shared living spaces or workplaces. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 main difference between the Gateron Mini i and the TTC Silent Red lies in their top housing materials. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in materials results in a noticeable difference in sound quality between the two switches, with the Mini i offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silent Red's clearer and resonant sound.
Despite their distinctions in top housing materials, both the Gateron Mini i and the TTC Silent Red share the same nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound quality. While the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when the key is released. Therefore, despite differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron Mini i's nylon housing offers a classic and timeless look, while the TTC Silent Red's polycarbonate housing caters more to users interested in RGB lighting due to its translucency. While the sound and feel of the switches may vary slightly due to their housing differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mini i and the TTC Silent Red will come down to personal preference in sound profile, feel, and aesthetic appeal.
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 touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, with the Mini i being lighter and the Silent Red being medium-heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Gateron Mini i has a shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Silent Red. A shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer more depth. Both switches offer slightly different feels when pressed due to their varying travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer different experiences. The Mini i provides a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between actuation force and sound level suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a more muted sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, but you can expect a satisfactory result in terms of noise reduction with either option, depending on your specific setup and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities give users a lively and responsive typing experience with a gentle touch. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is noted for its buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined keystroke. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Mini i focusing more on bounce and responsiveness, while the Silent Red emphasizes smoothness and uniformity. Regardless of your preference, you can expect a pleasant typing feel with either switch choice.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct characteristics in sound and feel. The Mini i provides a balance of moderate sound and bouncy, responsive keypresses, while the Silent Red delivers a quieter, smooth typing experience with a polished feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on your specific needs and typing style. However, rest assured that both switches will provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you value a lightweight tactile switch with a fairly muted sound for office use, the Mini i is your go-to choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force for a seamless typing experience in shared spaces, opt for the Silent Red. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and the setting in which you'll be using the keyboard. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying feedback of your mechanical keyboard switch!
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