Gateron Mini i vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mini i and the Kailh Plum mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that offers a gentle tactility in each keystroke, making it perfect for long hours of comfortable typing in a quiet office setting. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum provides a unique typing experience with its hefty feel and subtle tactile bump, offering a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While the Gateron Mini i may be preferred for its lightweight and easy-to-press keys, the Kailh Plum stands out for its weightiness and distinct tactility. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Kailh Plum differ in terms of their housing materials. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Plum utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic nature. The choice between these two materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Both the Mini i and the Plum share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon housing materials. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches. Despite their differences in top housing material, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures consistency in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
The impact of the different housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch is important to consider when choosing between the Gateron Mini i and the Kailh Plum. While the top housing primarily influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and overall typing feel. Understanding how each housing material affects these aspects can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound profile and typing experience. Ultimately, whether opting for the Mini i with a nylon top housing or the Plum with a polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a quality typing experience with distinct sound qualities.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. The Mini i also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Gateron Mini i will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Both switches provide unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Kailh Plum has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Mini i. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. Those who prefer a more responsive typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Mini i with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel may opt for the Kailh Plum with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00, whereas the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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 the Kailh Plum switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a generally moderate sound, making them suitable for various settings and preferences. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
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 descriptors highlight a light and spring-like feel with responsive feedback that is gentle on the fingers, making it ideal for comfortable typing over extended periods. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is described as mild and stepped. This indicates a more gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback that is still approachable and comfortable for most users.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for different environments. In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i provides a more varied tactile experience with descriptors like bouncy and snappy, while the Kailh Plum offers a more consistent and mild typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for tactile feedback and typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a lighter keystroke with a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gateron Mini i may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier keystroke without sacrificing tactility and enjoy a unique typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch could be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, but the key difference lies in the actuation force and tactile feedback. Ultimately, it is important to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences.
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