Gateron Mini i vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options plays an essential role in your typing experience. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch, celebrated for its subtle keystroke feedback that perfectly suits the office environment, providing a satisfying yet not overpowering sensation with each press. Its lightweight design ensures comfort during extended typing sessions while maintaining a muted sound profile that aligns with the demands of a professional setting. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi, a linear switch, offers a velvety smoothness that many gamers and typists appreciate. Its high-pitched bottom-out sound, coupled with a long-pole stem and extended springs, delivers an exhilarating typing feel that emphasizes fluidity and stability. While the Mini i excels in creating an inviting office atmosphere through gentle tactile feedback, the Taichi invites users to revel in the seamless action of keys without any interruption. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Bsun Taichi, it's clear that their differing top housings influence the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing deeper and fuller sound characteristics. This is attributable to nylon's softness, which absorbs more sound compared to harder materials. On the other hand, the Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its ability to elicit a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows the sound to resonate more clearly, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. Therefore, users seeking a more subdued auditory experience may prefer the Mini i, while those who enjoy crisper sounds could lean towards the Taichi.
However, both switches share a similar bottom housing material, as they both utilize nylon. This commonality means that the deeper and fuller sound profile is consistent for both switches when considering the bottom-out sound and feel produced by the nylon. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the sensation of bottoming out, both the Mini i and Taichi will provide a similar tactile feedback despite their contrasting top housings. Therefore, while the Mini i aims for a deeper acoustic presence through its nylon top, the nylon bottom ensures that users still experience that richness in sound and feel regardless of the switch model.
Ultimately, the differences lie primarily in their top housing, which leads to a divide in acoustic output. The Mini i, with its nylon top housing, and Taichi, with its polycarbonate top, will indeed produce distinct auditory experiences, while their shared nylon bottom housing guarantees a consistent depth in the sound profile. Thus, while the overall feel of the switches will maintain some uniformity thanks to the bottom material, the top housings dominate the uniqueness of the sound produced, making it essential for typists to consider their personal preferences when choosing between the two.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit similarities in actuation force but differ in bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light and suitable for extended typing sessions, which many users prefer for comfort during work or gaming. However, the Mini i has a bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning it requires slightly more force to press fully down compared to the Taichi, for which the bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that while both switches feel light on actuation, the Mini i provides a more substantial typing experience at the end of the keystroke due to its higher bottom out force. Therefore, for typists who appreciate a pronounced feel when bottoming out, the Gateron Mini i may be the preferred option, while those who may favor a consistent light touch throughout their typing could lean towards the Bsun Taichi, contingent upon its bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we observe a notable difference. The Gateron Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more immediate response ideal for gaming purposes, the Mini i's shorter travel distance may be more suitable. On the other hand, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which might appeal to those who prefer a deeper actuation experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 tactile switch presents a neutral sound profile, which makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in the office. Its moderate sound level is designed to avoid attracting attention, making it suitable for settings where noise might be disruptive. In stark contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by its high-pitched bottom-out sound, a result of its unique long-pole stem and extended springs. This sound is likely to be more pronounced and engaging, potentially providing a satisfying auditory feedback that some users find appealing, particularly in gaming or more casual typing environments.
In terms of feel, the Mini i tactile switch offers a range of tactile qualities that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. Its bouncy nature and easy-to-press characteristic allow for a lively, responsive feel, making it accommodating during lengthy typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue. The switch's mild, subtle response ensures a gentle typing experience suitable for those who are newer to mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Taichi linear switch, while lacking specific tactile feedback descriptions, is generally known for its smoothness and consistency due to the walled stems and innovative design. This suggests that it would deliver a slick, linear typing experience without tactile bumps, which some users may prefer for uninterrupted keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i and Bsun Taichi switches cater to different user preferences, with the Mini i providing a balanced sound and tailored tactile feedback that suits office use and long typing sessions, while the Taichi offers a more pronounced auditory experience aimed at enjoyment and seamlessness. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, though they cater to different environments and user needs. Understanding these distinctions will help you make a more informed choice that aligns with your typing style and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you're looking for a switch that offers subtle tactile feedback and a lightweight typing experience, the Mini i is an excellent option, especially for long hours of typing in an office environment. Its gentle resistance and quiet sound profile provide a professional atmosphere while ensuring minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more stable experience with an enchanting sound signature, the Taichi linear switch might suit your style better; its unique design promises unparalleled smoothness, making it ideal for those who crave a more dynamic feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard—whether you prioritize the tactile feedback of the Mini i or the fluidity of the Taichi—before making your decision.
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