Durock Blue Lotus vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and Jwick Ginger Milk are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel and snappiness, which is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column that offers vibrant and glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switches from Jwick offer a different typing experience. They have a soft and pastel aesthetic that is representative of the smooth and approachable push feel they provide. These switches have a muted, snappy sound profile, creating a quieter and more relaxed typing experience. The Ginger Milk switches are categorized as neutral and buttery, allowing for a gentle and enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Ginger Milk have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, whereas the Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, they result in different qualities. The modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate of the Ginger Milk provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon as the material of choice. The use of nylon in switch housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound. However, the impact it has on the overall switch experience differs depending on whether it is the bottom or top housing. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the sound profile when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Ginger Milk share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, their differences in the top housing materials result in distinct tactile and auditory experiences. The Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium feel with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the Ginger Milk provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. Regardless of these differences, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the impact and importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also considered medium-heavy.
Those who prefer lighter switches may find the Ginger Milk to be more suitable, as the lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This can be advantageous for individuals using a keyboard extensively for work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Blue Lotus may be the preferred choice due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
While the forces may differ slightly between the two switches, they both fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a similar typing experience in terms of required force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the specific preferences of the user, with some prioritizing lighter weight for extended typing and others seeking a heavier feel for a more satisfying keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results and tactile feedback when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses has a deeper and richer tone, reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches have a neutral sound profile. It is characterized by a moderate sound with no specific emphasis on any frequency range. This makes the Ginger Milk switches suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide an accented tactile experience. This means that they offer a medium level of tactility that is prominent, but not overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, these switches are snappy, which indicates a high level of responsiveness. This responsiveness can be attributed to the longer or dual-staged springs used in the Blue Lotus switches. Moreover, the Blue Lotus switches have a stepped feel, meaning that there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation during the keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches are described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches excel in delivering a tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. They offer a satisfying tactile feel with a medium level of tactility, snappiness, and a stepped sensation. Coupled with their vibrant RGB illumination, these switches are visually appealing as well. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches provide a soft and pastel typing experience. With their buttery smooth feel and muted, snappy sound profile, they offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience. While the focus of these switches differs, both the Blue Lotus and Ginger Milk switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for different users. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. With its 65 gram bottom out force and slightly reduced travel distance, these switches deliver a satisfying level of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. The Blue Lotus switches also have an accented, snappy, and stepped feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the sound profile of the Blue Lotus is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more approachable typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is a solid choice. With its 63.5 gram bottom out force and muted, snappy sound profile, these switches provide a silky smooth push feel. Described as buttery, the Ginger Milk switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation, ensuring a uniform and enjoyable typing experience.
Ultimately, your decision between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch will depend on your personal preferences. Consider whether you value a strong tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination or a softer and more approachable typing experience. Take into account the sound profile and feel of each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing style. Both switches have their unique advantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs.