Gateron Mini i vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are both tactile switches that offer a satisfying typing experience. The Gateron Mini i is praised for its gentle tactility and fairly muted sound profile, making it suitable for office environments where quiet professionalism is valued. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches provide a smooth typing experience with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound signature. While the Mini i is characterized as lightweight and easy-to-press, the WS Light Tactile is known for its smoothness and easy actuation. 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
50g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that they both make use of nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deep and full sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a comfortable typing experience for users of both switches. As a result, the bottom housing of these switches contributes significantly to the overall sound and feel of typing on them, providing a consistent experience across both products.
On the other hand, the top housing of the Mini i incorporates nylon, while the WS Light Tactile utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is praised for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, while polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with a clear and resonant quality. The difference in materials used for the top housing of these switches results in a variation in sound and feel when pressing and releasing keys. The Mini i may provide a softer typing experience with a deeper sound, while the WS Light Tactile may offer a clearer and more resonant typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate.
In conclusion, the housing materials used in the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile contribute significantly to the overall typing experience offered by these switches. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in materials used for the top housing leads to variations in sound and feel when typing. The Mini i with its nylon top and bottom housing offers a deep and full sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile suitable for users looking for a more vibrant sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, we can see that both switches have a light actuation force. The Mini i requires 40 grams of force to actuate, while the WS Light Tactile needs 45 grams. However, both switches bottom out at 50 grams of force. This means that while the actuation force is slightly lighter on the Mini i, the bottom out force is the same on both switches. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Those who prefer a slightly firmer push may lean towards the WS Light Tactile due to its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Mini i's shorter travel distance may offer quicker response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches fall under the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various environments. This means that users can expect a balanced auditory experience without any overly loud or distracting noises during typing. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other components of the keyboard setup, such as the case and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i switches are described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, providing users with a range of tactile sensations that enhance typing comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches share the stepped and easy-to-press characteristics, offering a typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and allows for effortless key actuation. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience without causing fatigue, making them suitable for long hours of work or gaming sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer similar neutral sound profiles that cater to a wide range of users. While the Mini i provides a more varied tactile experience with its bouncy, snappy, and subtle characteristics, the WS Light Tactile focuses on a stepped and easy-to-press design for enhanced typing comfort. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for specific tactile feedback and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, you would want to choose the Gateron Mini i if you prioritize a lightweight switch with a gentle tactility for a quiet and professional typing experience, especially in office settings where a subtle sound profile is desired. On the other hand, you would opt for the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile if you are looking for a switch that offers smoothness with a noticeable tactile bump and a neutral sound signature, catering to a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a bouncy and easy-to-press typing feel with a subtle switch like the Mini i or a stepped switch that provides both responsiveness and comfort like the WS Light Tactile. Consider your preferences and typing needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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