Gateron Mini i vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mini i and Everglide Sunset Yellow mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct experiences for users seeking tactile or linear options, respectively. The Mini i provides a gentle tactility and muted sound profile, perfect for office settings where quiet professionalism is desired. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a rich and decadent sound profile with a distinct gliding feel, ideal for users looking for a more indulgent typing experience. While the Mini i is praised for its bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Sunset Yellow is known for its creamy and polished sensation. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Mini i boasts a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side, with a relatively more muted tone. While both housing materials offer distinct sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences in typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Sunset Yellow utilize nylon and POM materials, respectively. Nylon is described as providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties. Similarly, POM housings are known for producing a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the switches, impacting the typing experience for users in a distinct manner.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their nylon and POM housing materials. While the Mini i's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound with a duller tone, the Sunset Yellow's POM housing creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is relatively more muted. Understanding the impact of both the top and bottom housing materials is crucial in determining the overall typing experience, as each material brings different characteristics to the sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Sunset Yellow will depend on the user's preferences for sound and typing feedback.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch both play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Mini i requires 50 grams to fully press down, while the Sunset Yellow needs 51 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, which may appeal to users looking for extended typing or gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. However, those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing feel may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Sunset Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, the Sunset Yellow is slightly shorter than the Mini i. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Sunset Yellow for its quicker actuation, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may lean towards the Mini i. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance, catering to users who prefer a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 switches offer a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between actuation force requirement and sound level, making them versatile for various settings. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches provide a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a rich and indulgent typing experience for users who enjoy deeper tones during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mini i switches are described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, providing users with a range of tactile sensations from lively feedback to a gentle resistance. On the contrary, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and refined key travel. The distinct feel of each switch caters to different typing preferences, whether it be a more responsive and lively feel or a smooth and buttery sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While Mini i provides a neutral sound profile with a range of tactile sensations, Sunset Yellow offers a bassy sound with a smooth and polished feel. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience based on personal preferences and the desired typing sensation. Therefore, users can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, depending on their individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a switch that offers subtle tactility and a muted sound profile, making it perfect for office settings where a quiet and professional typing experience is key, then the Gateron Mini i switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more indulgent typing experience with a captivating sound profile and a smooth, buttery feel, suitable for a wide range of users, then the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force will determine which switch is the perfect fit for your typing needs.
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