Gateron Mini i vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Weightlessness both stand out as tactile options that cater to different user preferences and environments. The Mini i switches are renowned for their gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making them a fantastic choice for office settings where a quieter typing experience is key. Their lightweight design enhances long hours of typing comfort without the intrusive clatter, delivering a satisfying response that aligns well with the demands of professionalism. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switches deliver a more pronounced tactile sensation, offering a subtle to moderate feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and engagement without being overly disruptive. Each switch brings its own unique flavor to the typing experience: the Mini i excels in muted environments while the Weightlessness provides a slightly more expressive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Mini i Tactile

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.00 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, it is evident that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This uniformity in material ensures that both switches share similar acoustic properties, resulting in a deep and full sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, thus producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. The consistent use of nylon in both models allows users to anticipate comparably rich sound characteristics, regardless of which switch they choose to incorporate into their mechanical keyboard.

In terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience, the nylon bottom housing impacts the feel and sound profile when a key is bottomed out. Both the Mini i and Weightlessness switches will deliver a more muted sound at the bottom of the keystroke due to the absorption qualities of nylon. This characteristic enhances the tactile experience by providing a softer landing, which can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a quieter workspace. Since both switches exhibit identical housing materials, users can expect comparable performance when pressing down on the keys.

While the Gateron Mini i and Weightlessness switches may have similar materials, the implications of different designs and configurations could potentially influence the final typing experience. Although both switches will have a similar sound profile because of the nylon housing, other factors, such as spring characteristics and stem design, may play a significant role in differentiating them. Nonetheless, the shared housing material guarantees that users will enjoy realistic and consistent auditory feedback while typing on either switch, making them excellent choices for those prioritizing sound quality alongside tactile satisfaction.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see notable differences in actuation force. The Mini i has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. However, it’s important to note that the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is currently unknown, leaving some uncertainty about how it compares to the Mini i. Overall, users looking for a lighter touch should opt for the Mini i, while those who desire a more robust push feel might find the Weightlessness switch more appealing, despite the unavailability of its bottom out specification.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, indicating that they share the same keypress feel when pressed down. This equal travel distance suggests that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation characteristics from both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Mini i or the Weightlessness, you'll experience a consistent key travel distance, providing an equivalent performance for typing or gaming purposes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Mini i switch has a fairly muted sound profile, well-suited for office environments where noise control is a priority. It is characterized as neutral, balancing a moderate actuation force with a moderate sound output, making it versatile enough for both casual and more serious typists. This makes it an optimal choice for shared workspaces or quiet home use. The Gateron Weightlessness switch, while not detailed, is noted to have a balanced sound profile that should complement its tactile feel. Consequently, both switches offer quiet operation, ensuring minimal sound disruption, but the specifics of the Weightlessness's sound remain unknown.

When it comes to feel, the Mini i switches deliver a dynamic typing experience with characteristics described as bouncy, snappy, and mild. The gentle resistance during key presses makes them easy-to-press while providing responsive feedback, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Their overall feel is rather approachable, blending a lively sensation with a subtle touch for a comfortable experience. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the Weightlessness switches lack specific descriptions, leaving their feel less defined. Based on the available information, there's an absence of a direct comparison regarding tactile feedback between the two.

In summary, while both the Gateron Mini i and Weightlessness switches seem to cater to a quieter typing experience, the Mini i also offers a well-rounded tactile feedback that enhances user comfort during long sessions. The Mini i truly excels in the nuanced blend of sound and feel, catering to a broad range of typing preferences. The Weightlessness switches, although promising a balanced experience, lack enough detailed insight to make an informed comparison on their tactile qualities. Thus, for a newcomer, the Mini i stands out as a solid choice for both sound and tactile feedback, while the Weightlessness may still warrant consideration pending further details.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your specific needs and typing environment should guide your decision. If you are looking for a switch that excels in an office setting or shared spaces, the Mini i is likely your best option. Its lightweight 50-gram actuation force and subtle tactile feel combine to create a typing experience that is both comfortable and unobtrusive, making it suitable for long hours of typing without causing finger fatigue or disruptive noise. The Mini i's neutral sound profile ensures that you can type to your heart's content without drawing attention, making it ideal for professionalism. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile feel that balances subtlety with responsiveness and you engage in variable typing environments, the Weightlessness switch may be worth considering. Though specific details on sound and feedback characteristics are less defined, these switches promise a more balanced tactile experience that can still be enjoyable without being too demanding. Ultimately, your choice will depend on how much tactile feedback, sound, and typing comfort you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mini i Tactile

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more