Gateron Mini i vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mini i and the HMX Swift. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that offers gentle tactility in each keystroke, providing a satisfying feedback without creating a loud clacking noise. Ideal for office environments, these switches are lightweight and comfortable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is a linear switch with a deeper sound profile thanks to its nylon housings. With a silky smoothness and a delicate 42g actuation force, the Swifts offer a unique typing experience. While the Mini i excels in providing a quiet and subtle typing experience, the Swift stands out for its smoothness and deep sound profile. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the HMX Swift both share the use of nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This commonality means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made from harder plastics. This results in a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter and more cushioned feel.
However, while both switches utilize nylon for their housing materials, there may be slight differences in the overall sound profile and feel due to other factors such as the design of the switch itself. The placement of the nylon top and bottom housings in the switch can affect the sound produced when typing, with the top housing potentially having more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Additionally, the design and structure of the switches may also impact the overall typing experience, with factors such as actuation force and key travel distance playing a role in how the switches feel under a user's fingers.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mini i and the HMX Swift may come down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their use of nylon for the housing materials, providing a deep and fuller sound profile that many users appreciate. Ultimately, users looking for a switch with a softer feel and quieter sound may find both the Mini i and the Swift to be suitable options for their typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams. This means that the Mini i will require less force to register a keystroke, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Swift offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the HMX Swift linear switch's travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Mini i offers a slightly shorter keypress distance compared to the Swift, providing a quicker response time for users who prefer faster actuation. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Mini i for improved gaming performance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel may gravitate towards the Swift with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of keypress depth, so users should choose based on their personal preferences for responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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, making it suitable for various environments from home to the office. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp and percussive, perfect for those who enjoy a more distinctive auditory feedback. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it is essential to consider the overall setup for the desired sound experience.
Moving on to the feel, both switches offer an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. The Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy, providing a lively rebound sensation, ideal for those who prefer a more dynamic typing feel. Additionally, the Mini i switch falls under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as feathery, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The creamy feel of the Swift switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, enhancing the overall typing sensation with its silky texture.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mini i switch provides a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy typing experience, the Swift switch delivers a clacky sound and a feathery, creamy feel for a different typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feedback, users can choose between the two switches to suit their needs, ensuring a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mini i tactile switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a subtle tactile feedback without a loud clack, the Mini i may be the ideal choice for a quiet office environment where professionalism is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience with minimal actuation force, the Swift could be more suited for you, especially if you enjoy gaming or extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your desired sound, feel, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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