Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Gateron Mini i is praised for its gentle tactility, making it ideal for office use with its quiet and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, catering to gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness. While the Mini i offers a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Yellow Silver provides a straightforward and neutral typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your specific 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Yellow Silver, we can see that the Mini i utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softness and sound absorption properties. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. While both switches have nylon bottom housings, the material's impact on the sound profile remains consistent, offering a duller and rounder sound for both switches overall. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Yellow Silver's top housing, especially for RGB lighting applications, gives it a unique aesthetic advantage over the Mini i.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Yellow Silver share a commonality in using nylon for their bottom housings. This consistency results in a similar sound profile between the two switches, as nylon's softness and sound absorption qualities contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing on either switch. While the Mini i's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound profile, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound, appealing to users seeking a crisper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preferences for sound aesthetics and functionality.
In terms of construction, the different top and bottom housing materials in the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Yellow Silver result in distinct typing experiences. The impact of the housing material is felt differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or letting go. With the bottom housing playing a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a more consistent typing experience with the Mini i's nylon housings. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housings offers a unique blend of sharp and deep sound profiles, catering to a wider range of typists looking for diverse sound experiences while typing.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch. The Mini i requires 40 grams of actuation force and 50 grams of bottom out force, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, with the Mini i providing a more effortless key press, while the Yellow Silver offers a slightly firmer and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mini i's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches will provide a different tactile feel due to their varying travel distances, so it's important to consider what feels most comfortable and intuitive for individual use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. This means that users can expect a moderate sound level that is not overly loud or distracting, ideal for both office use and gaming environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is characterized by its bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped qualities. These attributes contribute to a typing experience that combines a light actuation force with a gentle and responsive feedback sensation. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is not available, but based on its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, users can expect a smooth and effortless typing experience that emphasizes speediness and responsiveness.
Taking all available information into consideration, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer a neutral sound profile suitable for various environments. The Gateron Mini i provides a bouncy and lively typing experience with gentle tactile feedback, while the Outemu Yellow Silver emphasizes speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and the specific use case, whether it be for office work, gaming, or general typing tasks.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a gentle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be a great choice for office settings or long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force for speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be more suitable for gaming or tasks that require quick key presses. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific use case you have in mind.
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