Gateron Mini i vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mini i and Jwick Taro mechanical keyboard switches both offer a tactile typing experience, but with unique features that set them apart. The Gateron Mini i switches are perfect for office environments, providing gentle tactility in each keystroke with a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for maintaining a quiet and professional workspace. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches offer a cozy and comfortable typing experience, with a snappy medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Jwick Taro both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic properties. The use of nylon in both switches allows for a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Jwick Taro opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing in the Taro results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This difference in top housing material between the two switches may lead to a noticeable variation in sound when typing.
Despite the difference in top housing material, the nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Mini i and the Jwick Taro contributes to a similar typing experience by creating a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a smoother and quieter typing experience overall. However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The polycarbonate top housing in the Taro produces a more crisp and resonant sound, particularly beneficial for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing in the Mini i offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more subdued typing experience.
The choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on it. While both the Gateron Mini i and the Jwick Taro feature nylon bottom housings for a deep and full sound profile, the difference lies in their top housing materials. The Gateron Mini i's nylon top housing contributes to a softer and duller sound, while the Jwick Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound. This distinction in top housing material can affect the overall typing experience, with users preferring either a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, more resonant sound depending on their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Jwick Taro 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 compared to the Taro, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams in comparison to the Mini i's 50 grams. The Mini i provides a light and easy typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Taro offers a more substantial typing experience due to its medium-heavy bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, with the Taro being slightly longer. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Mini i may be the better option, while those who enjoy a bit more depth when pressing down on a key may prefer the Taro. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, providing similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Mini i and Jwick Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. This means that users can expect a moderate level of sound without being excessively loud or quiet. The actual sound produced by these switches may vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mini i is described as having a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped feel. These qualities contribute to a typing experience that is lively, responsive, gentle, and suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as buttery and stepped, suggesting a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactile feel that includes distinct stages during the key press.
Overall, both the Gateron Mini i and Jwick Taro tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mini i provides a gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet office settings. In comparison, the Taro switches offer a cozy typing experience with a snappy tactility and acute sound profile. Whether one prefers the subtle feedback of the Mini i or the medium-level tactility of the Taro, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience for users in various settings. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mini i or the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force for long hours of comfortable typing in a professional setting with a quiet sound profile, the Gateron Mini i would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a snappy tactility and acute clacks, the Jwick Taro switch would suit your typing style better. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and have their unique feel characteristics, whether it be bouncy and easy-to-press for the Mini i or buttery and stepped for the Taro. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value the most.
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