Gateron Mini i vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i switch is perfect for those seeking a quiet and lightweight typing experience, making it an ideal choice for office settings where professionalism and comfort are key. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, paired with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that sets it apart from the competition. 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
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both utilize unique housing materials to influence the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Mini i features a nylon top housing that enhances sound by creating a deeper and fuller tone, the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a proprietary KTT blend top housing that produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature. This contrast in sound profiles indicates that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users of these mechanical keyboards.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Mini i again employs nylon, providing a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK material for its bottom housing, offering exceptional durability and smoothness in key presses. The POK material's strength, wear resistance, and shock resistance contribute to a smooth and clacky typing experience, highlighting the importance of bottom housing materials in determining the overall feel and longevity of the switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Mini i and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches demonstrate the significance of top and bottom housing materials in affecting sound and feel. Whether it be the nylon and proprietary blend top housings or the nylon and POK bottom housings, each material choice brings unique qualities to the switches. By understanding how these materials impact the typing experience, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that align with their preferred sound and feel preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both fall within the lighter range, with the Mini i being slightly lighter. The Mini i requires 40 grams of actuation force and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Vanilla Ice Cream needs 43 grams to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out. These lighter forces make them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming for extended periods. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience without causing fatigue, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes. Users seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with heavier actuation and bottom out forces for a more tactile feel. Overall, the Gateron Mini i and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in typing styles.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, especially gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback you prefer in a key press. Nonetheless, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 is known for its neutral sound profile, which offers a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for most scenarios. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature that sets it apart from others in the market. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, giving typists an immersive auditory experience compared to the more subtle and muted sound of the Mini i switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is praised for its bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped characteristics. These features offer a lively and responsive typing experience with gentle resistance suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation that enhances the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches excel in their respective qualities. The Mini i switch provides a quiet and comfortable typing experience with a balanced sound profile, making it ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a unique and satisfying typing feel with a distinct high-pitched sound that stands out from the crowd. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a pleasant and effective typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider the environment and experience you prefer. If you are looking for a lightweight switch that provides gentle tactility and a quiet typing experience suitable for office settings, the Gateron Mini i may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother, buttery typing feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that stands out, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you seek.
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