Gateron Mini i vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mini i switch is highly regarded for its gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. With attributes such as being easy-to-press and subtle in feedback, the Gateron Mini i offers a comfortable typing experience for long periods without the distracting clacks. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks specific standout features but may still provide a satisfactory tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Milk Tea switches both use nylon top housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon top housing of the Mini i creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Milk Tea's nylon top housing offers resonant clacks. This difference in sound signature can impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Mini i providing a softer sound and the Milk Tea delivering a louder and brighter sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Milk Tea switches also utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. The shared use of nylon bottom housings in these switches showcases their similarity in sound profile and tactile feel when pressed.
The differences in top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Outemu Milk Tea switches highlight the unique characteristics each material brings to the overall typing experience. The split between top and bottom housings allows users to feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the use of nylon material in both the top and bottom housings ensures a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound profile for users of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i is lighter in both aspects. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Mini i may be preferred by those who type or game for long periods of time, as it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, it is unclear how the Milk Tea compares to the Mini i, but similarities in actuation force suggest that users can expect somewhat similar results in terms of pressure required for full key press on both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mini i offers a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Milk Tea provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, offering a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. But regardless of which one you choose, both switches offer a smooth and tactile 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 Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10.
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, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a fairly muted sound profile that is suitable for office environments where quiet professionalism is key. It provides a satisfying feedback without being intrusive or distracting, making it ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without the disruptive clacking noise. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities contribute to a typing experience that is responsive, low-impact, and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch offers a gentle resistance with a light typing feel, making it approachable to most users. Again, the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is unknown, so it is challenging to draw a comparison based on this criterion.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, muted sound profile, and comfortable typing experience suitable for office settings. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are not specified in the provided information, it is likely that both switches would provide similar results in terms of sound and feel if they share comparable design characteristics. It is essential for newcomers to consider their preferences in typing experience and sound profile when choosing between mechanical keyboard switches to find the one that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a subtle, gentle typing experience suitable for office use, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound profile and feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may be worth considering, despite the lack of available detailed information. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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