Gateron Mini i vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, brings a gentle tactility to the forefront, making it an ideal companion for office environments. It delivers a lightweight touch and a subdued sound profile, making long typing sessions more comfortable without the disruptive clicks of louder switches. This balance of feedback and discretion appeals to those who prioritize a professional atmosphere while still enjoying a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), known for its hall effect design, elevates the tactile experience with a smooth keystroke and a neutral sound signature that many enthusiasts adore. This switch stands out with its superior performance, thanks to a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, catering to those who seek that refined "thock" sound and feel. While the Mini i excels in quiet environments, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a luxurious tactile sensation that many gamers and typists might prefer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), one of the most striking differences lies in the materials used for the top housing of each switch. The Mini i is constructed with a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This quality results from nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a sound that is duller and rounder compared to harder materials. In stark contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched tone. The stiff nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, and its translucent quality makes it especially suitable for RGB lighting applications. Thus, while the Mini i focuses on warmth and depth in sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes brightness and clarity.
Interestingly, both switches share a consistent bottom housing material of nylon, which unites their performance to some extent. Just like the Mini i, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs nylon for its bottom housing, reinforcing the softer sound that characterizes this material. Consequently, typing on either switch will evoke similar auditory experiences when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, given that the nylon bottom housing contributes a rich and rounded acoustic profile. This shared aspect of their construction means users can anticipate a similar sensory feedback when pressing down on the keys, regardless of the distinct sound qualities delivered by the differing top materials.
While the differences in top housing materials may lead to variances in auditory experience, it is important to note how these initiating factors interact during use. The nylon bottom housing remains constant across both switches, ensuring a common groundwork for the sound and feel experienced when bottoming out. The impact of the unique top housing materials unfolds during key release, where users will perceive the Mini i's warmer sound versus the crisper tone of the Sticky Rice (V2). This division between the top and bottom housing characteristics ultimately shapes the usability and acoustic identity of the switches, showcasing how the interplay between different materials can lead to a varied typing experience.
Weight
Both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch share identical specifications, with each featuring an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches offer a light touch when typing, making them suitable for users seeking a comfortable experience during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Since their actuation and bottom out forces are the same, users can expect similar feedback and performance characteristics from both switches. Whether you're looking for a switch to accompany you at work or for leisure, both options provide a comparable experience, appealing to those who prefer a lighter feel in their keyboards.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see a slight difference indicative of their design intents. The Gateron Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Mini i the shorter option by 0.1 mm. Such a minor difference can lead to varied user experiences; for gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Mini i may provide a quicker actuation, potentially enhancing gameplay. Conversely, the slightly deeper travel of the Sticky Rice switch could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Mini i favoring speed and the Sticky Rice (V2) leaning towards depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 switches present a neutral profile that makes them versatile for various settings, be it home or office. Their moderately muted acoustics assure that they won't disrupt the surrounding environment, making them an excellent choice for a shared workspace. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches boast a more refined auditory experience that hints at the desired "thock" sound sought after by enthusiasts while maintaining a neutral sound signature. Although both switches aim for a balanced sound, the Mini i leans towards a quieter performance, while the Sticky Rice (V2) provides deeper auditory feedback that can be more satisfying for those who appreciate acoustics in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i is characterized by a bouncy and easy-to-press mechanism, providing a gentle yet engaging typing experience. These switches allow for long hours of comfortable typing, notably due to their low actuation force and mild tactile feedback that caters to a wide range of users. The tactile sensation is subtle yet perceptible, enhancing the overall typing experience without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches remain unknown; however, their reputation suggests a refined tactile quality and smooth keystrokes enhanced by a dustproof stem. The performance of these switches likely aligns with the goal of providing a satisfying typing experience, although a direct comparison cannot be made without further details.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches bring distinct qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Mini i excels in offering a subtle, quiet typing experience perfect for professional environments, while the Sticky Rice (V2) focuses on delivering a more refined auditory pleasure that appeals to enthusiasts. Ultimately, both switches deliver enjoyable experiences with their unique attributes, making them strong contenders for anyone seeking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage environment. If you find yourself in an office setting or frequently typing for extended periods, the Mini i is likely to be the better option for you due to its lightweight feel and characterized subtle bounciness, making each keystroke gentle yet responsive. The muted sound profile ensures that you won't disturb those around you, facilitating a quiet and professional atmosphere. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more refined tactile experience and a satisfying 'thock' sound while still enjoying smooth key presses, the Sticky Rice (V2) might be your preferred choice. With its superbly smooth keystrokes and dustproof design that minimizes wobble, this switch offers a well-rounded typing experience suitable for home use or light gaming where you appreciate tactile feedback without excessive noise. Ultimately, considering your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard will lead you to the switch that best meets your needs.
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