HMX Game1989 vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX 1989 and the Jwick Ginger Milk offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among users. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep and thocky feel, stands out in the HMX Film switch series, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking for satisfying feedback during intense sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk is celebrated for its soft, pastel aesthetic, delivering a typing experience characterized by a silky smoothness and a muted, snappy sound profile. This makes it a great option for typists who appreciate a pleasant and comfortable feedback with every keystroke. While both switches are linear, their distinct tactile experiences and auditory profiles set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches share striking similarities in their construction, specifically concerning their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a type of plastic known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, a characteristic that enhances the auditory experience when typing. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also lends itself well to RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing for users who prioritize aesthetic customization. With these shared qualities, users can expect a similarly resonant and clear sound when using either switch, making the choice more about personal design preferences than acoustics.
While the top housings of the HMX 1989 and the Jwick Ginger Milk are identical in material and performance, their bottom housings present a contrast that influences the overall typing experience. Both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, renowned for its softer composition. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound waves and resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic signature. This characteristic contrasts with the clarity provided by the polycarbonate tops, adjusting the overall sound dynamics each time a key is pressed. Thus, the combination of nylon bottoms and polycarbonate tops creates a balanced sound profile, where the sharper notes of the top housing blend with the warmer tones of the bottom.
In terms of overall performance, the mixed materials in the HMX 1989 and Jwick Ginger Milk switches create a distinct typing experience. While both share a crisp acoustic output from the polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom adds depth, ensuring that the tactile experience is equally enjoyable as the auditory feedback. Players and typists may find that pressing down on either switch evokes the qualities of the nylon bottom housing—creating a lovely rounded sound profile once the key is bottomed out. Conversely, the polycarbonate top generates a clear mousing sound, particularly when releasing the key. Therefore, both switches harmoniously combine their material characteristics, ultimately providing users with a comprehensive experience that caters to both auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we see a clear distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option, whereas the Jwick Ginger Milk requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference is significant for users who prefer the tactile experience of typing, as the lighter HMX 1989 may be favored for extended typing sessions due to reduced fatigue, while the heavier Ginger Milk can provide a more substantial push feel for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. In terms of bottom out forces, the 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Ginger Milk's 63.5 grams. Consequently, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option overall, whereas the Jwick Ginger Milk is the heavier switch, appealing to users with different preferences in typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the 1989 the longer of the two, offering a more traditional feel which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Ginger Milk, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers and those looking for quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more responsive experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk could be the better choice; however, for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, the HMX 1989 will provide a deeper feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, highlighting the trade-off between speed and depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is known for its deep and thocky audio profile, which can evoke a satisfying auditory feedback during typing sessions. This characteristic is particularly appreciated by those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing, giving the sensation of a robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a more muted, snappy sound profile described as neutral, which strikes a balance suitable for various environments. Its moderate actuation force requirement complements its sound characteristic, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users alike. While the 1989 creates a distinct auditory presence, the Ginger Milk provides a quieter, yet engaging experience that can be advantageous in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is noted for its thockiness, suggesting a firm and pronounced keystroke experience that many gamers and typists find desirable for tactile feedback. Contrasting this, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch delivers a buttery feel—crafted for a silky smooth and approachable push. This indicates that the Ginger Milk provides an effortlessly seamless keystroke, perfect for those who prioritize a uniform and fluid typing sensation. While each switch has its unique trait—thockiness versus butteriness—both are designed to support enjoyment in typing, catering to different preferences in keystroke feedback.
In conclusion, the HMX 1989 linear switch offers a deep, thocky sound and a firmer keystroke feel, while the Jwick Ginger Milk provides a muted, neutral sound and a buttery smooth typing experience. Users seeking a pronounced auditory feedback might gravitate towards the 1989, while those looking for a more soothing and seamless experience may prefer the Ginger Milk. Each switch caters to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that regardless of your pick, you'll enjoy a fulfilling typing journey, albeit with contrasting audio and tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a medium-light actuation force and desire a deep, thocky sound profile that enhances your gaming experience, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice. Its unique design caters to those who appreciate a more tactile auditory feedback that can add to immersion during gameplay. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, softer feel with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch could be more suitable for you. Its buttery typing experience and neutral sound profile make it ideal for both work and casual gaming, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches have their distinct characteristics, so consider your individual needs—be it for gaming, typing comfort, or sound preferences—before making your selection.
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