Gateron Mini i vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Duck both offer tactile feedback, but with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i switches are known for their gentle tactility, making them a great choice for office environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a smoother typing feel. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Mini i is more bouncy and easy-to-press while the Duck is buttery and polished. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Duck lies in the material used for the top housing. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Duck's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Duck is beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the Mini i's nylon top housing does not offer this feature.
The bottom housing materials of both switches are the same, as they both utilize nylon. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience, as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by this material. In contrast, the top housing of the switches, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the different top housing materials, the bottom housing material remains consistent between the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Duck.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the SP-Star Duck differ in their top housings, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the properties of nylon and polycarbonate. The Mini i's nylon top and bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and aesthetic considerations, such as the use of RGB lighting with the polycarbonate housing of the Duck.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Duck has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Duck, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the Mini i. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Mini i offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers may prefer the Mini i for this reason, as it allows for faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying and comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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, both the Gateron Mini i and SP-Star Duck tactile switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound, making them suitable for various settings from home to work. The actual sound produced can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mini i switches are known for their bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped qualities. These switches provide a lively and responsive typing experience with gentle resistance and a light typing feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches are described as mild, buttery, and polished. They offer a smooth, uniform, and refined typing sensation, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer a subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. While the Mini i switches are lightweight and ideal for long hours of comfortable typing in a professional setting, the Duck switches provide a more refined and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a lighter bottom out force and a subtle tactile typing experience ideal for office settings, the Gateron Mini i may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more refined, buttery typing sensation, the SP-Star Duck switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile suitable for various environments, making them versatile options for both beginners and advanced users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific use case for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
