The Kailh Xuan and Gateron Mini i switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature standard stem shape, however, they come with different top housing (LCP vs Nylon), bottom housing (LCP vs Nylon), stem material (MF (melamine formaldehyde) vs POM), spring (21.5/18 mm single-stage extended KOS vs 22 mm dual-stage), (60 g vs 50 g), actuation (45 g vs 40 g), bottom-out force (58 g vs 50 g), (0.20 mm vs 0.50 mm), pre-travel (2 mm vs 1.40 mm), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.40 mm). That said, they are very different. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Kailh Xuan is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with LCP top housing, LCP bottom housing, and MF (melamine formaldehyde) stem (standard shape). It features a 21.5/18 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The tactile bump is 60g at 0.20mm. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 58g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Yigiix. Manufactured by Kailh. | The Gateron Mini i is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm dual-stage spring. The tactile bump is 50g at 0.50mm. The 40g actuation occurs at 1.40mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.40mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | Kailh Xuan | Gateron Mini i |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | LCP | Nylon |
| Bottom housing | LCP | Nylon |
| Stem material | MF (melamine formaldehyde) | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 21.5/18 mm single-stage extended KOS | 22 mm dual-stage |
| Tactile force | 60 g | 50 g |
| Actuation | 45 g | 40 g |
| Bottom-out | 58 g | 50 g |
| Tactile bump position | 0.20 mm | 0.50 mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 1.40 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.40 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Yigiix | - |
| Manufacturer | Kailh | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Kailh Xuan is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Gateron Mini i can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Kailh Xuan and Gateron Mini i switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Kailh Xuan force curve | Gateron Mini i force curve |
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Kailh Xuan sound test | Gateron Mini i sound test |
No Gateron Mini i sound test available. |
Comments on Kailh Xuan switches | Comments on Gateron Mini i switches |
The Kailh Xuan tactile switch is a light tactile switch designed for enthusiasts who enjoy a clean, clacky, and satisfying typing experience. As the tactile counterpart to the popular Calligraphy linear switch, the Xuan combines a comfortable tactile bump with a lively sound profile that feels responsive and enjoyable for daily typing. The Kailh Xuan uses a premium material combination to achieve its signature sound and feel. MF stem: Produces a crisp and clean clacky sound with a smooth keypress. LCP housing: Enhances overall sound clarity and creates a refined acoustic profile. Light tactile bump: Comfortable and responsive without feeling overly aggressive. Together, these materials create a balanced typing experience with a pleasant clacky character and subtle scratchiness that many enthusiasts enjoy. Like the Calligraphy switches, the Xuan tactile switch features a slight natural scratch that adds character to the typing feel without negatively affecting overall smoothness, making it especially appealing for users who enjoy a more textured typing experience. Perfect for custom mechanical keyboard builds, the Kailh Xuan tactile switch delivers light tactility, clean acoustics, and a uniquely satisfying clacky feel – Unikeys. | The Gateron Mini i tactile switch is a new tactile addition from Gateron lineup! Designed with office use in mind, the Mini i features a tactile bump and 22 mm double-staged spring – Deskhero. A light tactile switch with a long spring, specifically designed for office use. The light bump, mid weighted actuation force, and long spring providing a long rebound makes this switch well suited to long typing sessions without fatiguing you – StacksKB. |
