Gateron Beer vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Gateron Beer is lauded for its lightweight and refreshing stepped tactility, evoking the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its translucent green design. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk offers a soft and pastel appearance that translates to a silky smooth typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. The Beer is known for being 'clacky' and easy-to-press, while the Ginger Milk is described as 'neutral' and 'buttery'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style; 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Ginger Milk use polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, which means that the qualities of polycarbonate are more evenly distributed between the top and bottom of the switch.
In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This distinction in bottom housing material gives the Ginger Milk a unique sound and feel when typing, as the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during bottom-out actions.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a similar sharp and crisp sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material sets the Gateron Beer and Jwick Ginger Milk apart. The use of nylon in the Ginger Milk's bottom housing creates a distinct typing experience with a deeper sound, while the Beer maintains consistency with polycarbonate throughout, offering a more even distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more gentle option for typing or gaming. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Beer switch allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, while the heavier Ginger Milk switch may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, some users may find the longer travel distance of the Ginger Milk to provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a muted, snappy sound profile, providing a softer and more gentle typing experience. Both switches have distinct sound profiles, with the Beer being more percussive and the Ginger Milk offering a more neutral and moderate sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. It also features a stepped tactility, providing a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. On the contrary, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Beer being easier to press and featuring a stepped feel, while the Ginger Milk provides a buttery and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped feel, while the Ginger Milk switch offers a muted, snappy sound and a buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as keycap material and keyboard construction when choosing between these switches to achieve the desired result for your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound, the Beer switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Ginger Milk switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire. Choose wisely based on what suits you best.
Mentioned in this article
