Gateron Mini i vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offer unique qualities to consider. The Mini i is praised for its gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making it ideal for office environments where quiet professionalism is valued. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out for its buttery smooth keystroke feel and crisp, responsive touch. While the Mini i is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Subtle', the WS Onion is labeled as 'Buttery' and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, we can see a clear difference in their top housing materials. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users, as the Mini i will provide a more muted and rounded sound, while the WS Onion will offer a more clear and resonant sound.
On the bottom housing front, both the Gateron Mini i and the WS Onion utilize nylon as the material of choice. This commonality means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile from both switches when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon provides a level of sound absorption that leads to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches. While the top housing material may differ between the two switches, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Onion provide users with distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon top housing of the Mini i offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which results in a similar deep and full sound profile for bottom-out sound and feel. The choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, and users may prefer one sound profile over the other based on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the Mini i is the lighter option. With an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a lighter touch for a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion is the heavier option, with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. The actuation force of the WS Onion is not specified, making it difficult to directly compare to the Mini i. Overall, those looking for a lighter keystroke may prefer the Gateron Mini i, while those seeking a heavier touch may opt for the WS Onion for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch. The Mini i's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the WS Onion's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different sensations when pressed, with the Mini i feeling more abrupt due to its shorter travel distance, and the WS Onion offering a deeper keystroke with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using them at home or at work. Of course, the actual sound of the switch will also depend on other factors like your keyboard and keycaps choices.
In terms of feel, the Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a range of gentle and responsive typing experiences. On the other hand, the WS Onion linear switch is described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing feel. This indicates that the WS Onion switch offers a more consistent and seamless typing sensation compared to the varied feel of the Mini i switch.
Overall, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mini i switch provides a gentle tactility with a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for quiet office environments. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a polished finish, ensuring a uniform typing experience. Depending on your preferences for typing feel and sound, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience for you, delivering similar results in terms of sound but differing in their tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force for comfortable typing during long hours in a professional setting, the Gateron Mini i may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing preferences and work environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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