Gateron Mini i vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mini i and Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches both offer a tactile typing experience, but with their own unique characteristics. The Gateron Mini i switches are ideal for office settings, providing a gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile for a quiet and professional typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are known for their smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility, offering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While the Mini i is categorized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, subtle, stepped, the Violet is categorized as stepped, neutral. Each switch has its own strengths and weaknesses, 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
45g
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
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and Jerrzi Violet switches both feature a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon material, while the Jerrzi Violet uses polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Violet switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Mini i's nylon top housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects, making the Violet switch visually appealing in a different way than the Mini i.
While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material, the difference in their top housing materials significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The Gateron Mini i with its nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Jerrzi Violet with its polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetic appeal, as the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet switch allows for a clear housing that enhances RGB lighting effects.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and Jerrzi Violet switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference in their top housing materials sets them apart. The Mini i's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction in sound profiles, as well as the visual appeal of the polycarbonate top housing in the Violet switch, offers users a choice between a softer, more muted typing experience with the Mini i or a clearer, more resonant sound with the Jerrzi Violet.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is clear that the Mini i is the lighter option of the two. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The difference in actuation force between the two switches is not significant, but the Mini i requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. The lack of information on the bottom out force of the Violet switch makes it difficult to determine which switch has a heavier feel when fully pressed. Overall, the weight of a switch is important to consider depending on personal preference for typing or gaming. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Mini i, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for a switch with heavier forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Mini i offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prefer quick key presses, while the Violet provides a bit more depth for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Violet tactile switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound level that is suitable for various settings, whether you are a beginner or an advanced typist, and whether you are using them at home or in the office. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mini i is known for providing a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped typing experience. These descriptors suggest that the keys have a lively feel, are easy to press with minimal force, offer a gentle typing experience, are highly responsive, maintain a light typing feel, and have a two-stage tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is described as having a stepped feel, which implies a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a sharper bump.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various typing environments. While the Gateron Mini i provides a range of tactile experiences, the Jerrzi Violet focuses on a stepped tactile feel. Depending on your personal preference in terms of feel, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mini i tactile switch or the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a subtle, easy-to-press typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Gateron Mini i switches are your best bet. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth actuation with a pleasingly poppy tactility and are fine with an unspecified bottom out force, the Jerrzi Violet switches may be more up your alley. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and stepped tactility, so consider your typing style and environment when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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