Gateron Mini i vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as top contenders, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Mini i is a tactile switch that provides a gentle tactility in every keystroke, perfect for those seeking a quiet yet satisfying typing experience ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch known for its deep and thocky sound profile, adding a touch of excitement to your typing sessions. While the Mini i is bouncy and subtle, the Tourmaline Blue is buttery and easy-to-press. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
59g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Mini i features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for producing a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their unique qualities, the Mini i's nylon housing offers a dull and round sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing provides a clearer and more resonant sound.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The use of nylon in the Mini i results in a softer and deeper sound experience, while the polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue yields a stiffer and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Tourmaline Blue makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. Both materials have their strengths and can cater to different preferences based on sound and aesthetic preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. Whether one prefers the softer and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Mini i or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Tourmaline Blue, both options offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. While the materials may differ in their properties, they each contribute to creating a distinct sound profile that can cater to individual preferences in keyboard customization.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mini i requires 50 grams to bottom out, while the Tourmaline Blue needs 67 grams, making it also heavier. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may opt for the Mini i, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Tourmaline Blue for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a slightly longer distance for key press compared to the Mini i. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you value a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Mini i would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Tourmaline Blue may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide a good balance between travel distance and responsiveness, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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, both the Gateron Mini i and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches fall under the descriptor of "Neutral" as they both have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The Mini i offers a fairly muted sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound, creating an immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Mini i offers a variety of descriptors including "Bouncy," "Easy-to-press," "Mild," "Snappy," "Subtle," and "Stepped." These descriptions highlight the lightweight and gentle tactility of the Mini i switches, making them ideal for comfortable typing without the intrusive clack. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is described as "Buttery," "Easy-to-press," and "Mild," indicating a smooth and effortless typing experience with a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. Both switches provide a comfortable and low-impact typing feel, catering to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mini i excels in providing a lightweight and subtle typing experience with a muted sound profile, perfect for office environments. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel and easy-to-press keys, creating an enjoyable typing experience for a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual is looking for.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and muted sound for office use or extended typing sessions, the Gateron Mini i would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and thocky sound profile for a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may be more appealing. Both switches offer neutral sound profiles, but the Mini i provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and mild typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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