Kailh Box Jade vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Ginger Milk are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. If you're in search of a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility, then the Box Jade is a great choice for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provided by the Box Jade make typing on them a delight. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more gentle typing experience, the Ginger Milk is the switch for you. These switches offer a silky smooth push feel and a muted, yet snappy sound profile. The Ginger Milk switch is often described as having a soft and pastel typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and Jwick Ginger Milk switches both have polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housings enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who plan on using RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Therefore, whether you choose the Box Jade or Ginger Milk, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Box Jade and Ginger Milk switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic contributes to a more satisfying typing experience, as the sound produced feels more substantial. Whether you go for the Box Jade or Ginger Milk, you can expect this deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials on the switch, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the bottom and top housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing has a stronger influence on the sound emitted when the key is released. Therefore, depending on whether you prefer the feel while pressing down or the sound upon release, you can make your choice between the Box Jade and Ginger Milk accordingly.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning the same amount of force is required to trigger a keystroke. This ensures a consistent and precise typing experience for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction. The Box Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered as medium. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This means that for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Ginger Milk switch would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods, the Box Jade with its slightly lighter bottom out force would be a better option. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, their bottom out forces offer contrasting preferences for users based on their typing style and preference for key feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. These differences may seem minor, but they can have an impact on the overall typing experience. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the range of what is commonly considered comfortable, with the Box Jade being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might prefer the Box Jade with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press might lean towards the Ginger Milk with its slightly longer travel distance. It is important to consider personal preference and typing style when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, both options will provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with subtle variances in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade switches are characterized by a high-pitched and crisp sound profile. Pressing these switches produces a sharp and clear sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches have a more neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate sound that is neither too loud nor too muted, making them suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Kailh Box Jade switches provide an accented and invigorating typing experience. They offer a medium tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, delivering a satisfying level of tactility. These switches also have a moderate to firm actuation force, ensuring a snappy and reactive feel, leading to an immersive typing sensation. On the contrary, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches offer a buttery feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Ginger Milk switches offer a uniform typing feel throughout.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade switches are a great choice for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. They provide a high-pitched sound profile, an accented tactile feel, invigorating feedback, and a immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches offer a softer and pastel typing experience. They provide a muted, snappy sound profile, a buttery smooth keystroke feel, and a uniform typing sensation. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, in terms of choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you desire a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the switch for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps will enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and pastel typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk is a great choice. The silky smooth and approachable push feel, along with the buttery keystroke experience, will provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Keep in mind that the Box Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, both falling into the medium to medium-heavy range. Overall, consider your desired sound and feel preferences when making your decision.