Gateron Mini i vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mini i and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that provides a subtle bump on actuation, allowing typists to enjoy satisfying feedback with a gentle and muted sound profile. This balance makes it particularly appealing for office settings where quietness is essential, while its lightweight construction promotes comfortable typing during long sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch designed for those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile resistance. With an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it caters to light typists seeking a serene and whisper-quiet typing experience, perfect for an unobtrusive workflow. While both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, their characteristics cater to different needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches feature the same nylon material for their top housings, which contributes to their sound profile when typing. This similarity means that both switches will share a deeper and fuller auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon, a relatively softer plastic, allows the switches to absorb vibrations more effectively, mitigating sharpness in sound and creating a comforting typing environment. Consequently, any typist using either switch can expect a comparable aural response, making them suitable for those who prioritize a quieter, yet pronounced, typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials distinguish the Mini i from the Silent Sakura - 43g significantly. The Mini i features a nylon bottom housing while the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon's softer characteristics in the Mini i allow it to maintain a cohesive sound profile throughout the typing experience, contributing to a consistent and warmer sound barrier. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Sakura - 43g, being a stiffer plastic, delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory response. This contrast highlights how the choice of bottom materials can alter the overall auditory feedback—while the Mini i offers a more muted, harmonious sound, the Silent Sakura - 43g creates a pronounced and brighter experience.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials manifest in the feel and sound upon key release. The Mini i's nylon bottom will sustain the deeper tones inherent in the nylon and maintain a comfortable typing experience with a consistent sound impact. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g combines its nylon top with a polycarbonate bottom, resulting in an auditory sensation characterized by a more resonant, higher-pitched sound, especially noticeable during key releases. Thus, while the nylon top has similarities that provide a level of consistency between the two switches, the varying bottom materials create opportunities for distinctive sound profiles, reflecting the nuanced relationship between housing materials and typing experience in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This indicates that the Silent Sakura is generally the lighter option between the two. Users looking for a less strenuous typing experience may prefer the Silent Sakura, as its lower actuation force allows for easier key presses, suitable for long typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Mini i, with its slightly heavier baseline, offers a more substantial push feel that some may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the differences in these forces highlight the varying user preferences, with each switch catering to distinct typist needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Mini i features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Gateron Mini i the shorter option, catering to users who prefer quicker responses, such as gamers, who appreciate the shorter travel for faster reaction times. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional feel, providing users with a deeper and more satisfying actuation, which some may find preferable for typing or leisurely use. Thus, your choice between the two would depend on whether you value responsiveness or a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 switches feature a fairly muted profile that maintains a subtle presence without being intrusive, making them suitable for both office environments and home use. Their neutral sound means they offer a moderate audio experience, balancing between being too quiet and overly loud. This quality ensures that they do not disrupt others around you while keeping typing feedback satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered to provide an ultra-quiet experience, akin to gentle raindrops, which may resonate well with those prioritizing silence above all. Both switches shine in their respective sound qualities, appealing to typists who prefer less auditory interruption.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i switches are designed to offer a range of tactile sensations. They present a bouncy, snappy feedback that enhances the overall typing experience, imparting a lively and responsive feel while maintaining ease of press. Their mild and subtle characteristics ensure that even prolonged typing sessions remain comfortable, reducing the risk of finger fatigue. In contrast, the specific feel qualities of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are unknown; however, being a linear switch with a light actuation force, they likely offer a more consistent feel without tactile bumps, which would significantly differ from the Mini i’s pronounced tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch cater to typists looking for comfort and quietude but excel in different areas. The Mini i provides a balanced auditory and tactile experience that would be fitting for a busy office while the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet experience, likely accompanying a smoother actuation feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a more tactile engagement with subtle sound or a silent and serene typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a balanced typing experience that provides subtle tactile feedback with a light actuation force, the Mini i is an excellent fit, especially for long hours in an office setting or shared workspace. Its bouncy and easy-to-press characteristics make it a joy to type on without causing finger fatigue, while the muted sound profile ensures that your typing does not disturb others around you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a completely silent experience and prefer a lighter touch of only 43 grams, the Silent Sakura switch would be your best bet. This switch is ideal for creating a serene typing atmosphere, whether you're working from home or in a noise-sensitive environment. While the Mini i offers that satisfying tactile sensation, the Silent Sakura excels when maximum quietude is the goal. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider what aspects matter most to you—be it gentle tactility or whisper-quiet performance—and choose accordingly.
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