Gateron Mini i vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both offer tactile feedback but cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i is perfect for those looking for a subtle and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office environments where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown provides a more familiar and satisfying typing experience with its medium-light actuation force. While the Gateron Mini i is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, the WS Brown offers a harmonious balance of responsiveness and comfort. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper, fuller, and rounder sound when typing on switches made with this material. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience compared to switches with harder plastic housings.
While both switches share the same nylon top and bottom housing material, the design of the housing can still impact the overall typing experience. The way the top and bottom housings are constructed can affect the sound profile when pressing down on the switch or releasing a key. The bottom housing, with its impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will play a larger role in the typing experience when pressing down, while the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how the housing design influences the typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of nylon for both the top and bottom housing. The softness of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a quieter and deeper sound profile when typing. However, differences in the design of the housing can still impact the overall typing feel, with the bottom housing playing a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, these switches provide a pleasant typing experience for those who prefer a softer and rounder sound when typing.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. The Mini i requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the WS Brown has an unknown actuation force and 55 grams to bottom out. This means that the Mini i provides a lighter typing experience overall. Some users may prefer the Mini i for its lighter touch, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer that. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing experience and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the WS Brown's 3.8 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. For those who prefer a quicker response time and a more shallow key press, the Mini i would be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press and a deeper feel may opt for the WS Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown switches are known for their fairly muted sound profiles, providing a satisfying feedback of typing without being loud or disruptive. The Mini i offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a delightful auditory experience cherished by enthusiasts, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. When comparing the two, users can expect similar results in terms of sound with both switches providing a pleasant typing experience without the excessive noise.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mini i is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities offer a typing experience that is lively, responsive, and comfortable, making it ideal for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. While the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch is not specified, given its medium-light actuation force, users can expect a similar level of comfort and responsiveness during use. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience by striking a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches offer similar subjective qualities when it comes to sound and likely feel. Users can expect a typing experience that is gentle, comfortable, and satisfying with both switches, making them suitable for various typing tasks whether it be in an office setting or for enthusiast use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics, brand loyalty, or specific typing needs.
Conclusion
Overall, when considering which switch to choose between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lightweight switch with a subtle tactile feedback and quiet sound profile, the Gateron Mini i switch would be an excellent choice, especially for office environments where professionalism and comfort are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, along with a familiar and delightful auditory experience, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch is the way to go. Whichever switch you choose, both options offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, environment, and desired feel and sound when making your decision between these two tactile switches.
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