Gateron Mini i vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that offers a gentle tactility with each keystroke, making it perfect for those who desire a subtle feedback while typing. It also provides a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for office settings where quiet professionalism is essential. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its short travel distance, lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, and unparalleled smoothness. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a feather-light touch and desire a swift typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature top and bottom housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Mini i utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, known for creating a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top and bottom housing, producing a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both switches have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound qualities.
Despite their different housing materials, both the Gateron Mini i and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer a similar typing experience with their respective nylon and POM housings. The nylon housing of the Mini i creates a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a more muted, pleasing sound, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it's important to consider how each material impacts the overall typing experience. The nylon housing of the Mini i results in a deep and fuller sound profile, whereas the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a unique and pleasing sound that is relatively more muted. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ between the two switches, the qualities each material brings to the typing experience are equally important in creating a satisfying sound profile. Whether you prefer the softer, duller sound of nylon or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch. The Mini i requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Smoothie Silver needs 45 grams to actuate but the bottom out force is unknown. Lighter switches like the Mini i are preferred by some for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for heavier switches. In this case, the Mini i would be the lighter option, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Smoothie Silver's force requirements may cater to those who prefer a bit more resistance in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is identical, measuring at 3.4mm for both switches. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. As a result, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of keypress depth between the two switches. So whether you opt for the Gateron Mini i tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you can rest assured that you'll get consistent results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 neutral sound profile that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for various settings such as an office or home environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a thocky sound that is deep and satisfying, enhancing the overall typing experience. The sound produced by each switch is influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a mild resistance that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch offers a subtle tactile feedback that is not overly pronounced, suitable for those looking for a gentle typing feel. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers unparalleled smoothness with a feather-light touch, providing a snappy and responsive typing experience that feels lively and precise.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mini i provides a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, ideal for professional settings requiring a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver delivers a thocky sound and smooth, snappy feel, perfect for users looking for lightning-fast actuation and precise typing feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the best fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch that offers a gentle and comfortable typing experience for long hours of use in an office setting, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its lightweight feel and subtle tactility make it a perfect fit for quiet and professional environments without sacrificing the satisfying feedback of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound with feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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