Kailh Box Royal vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Jwick Ginger Milk. The Box Royal is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, offering a sharp and binary feel that's perfect for those seeking an aggressive typing experience. Additionally, its higher pitched sound profile adds to the overall sensory experience. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switches are known for their soft and pastel nature, providing a silky smooth and approachable push feel. With a muted, snappy sound profile, typing on Ginger Milk switches is a more subdued experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Jwick Ginger Milk have different materials used in their top and bottom housing. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of polycarbonate's stiffness and clarity. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk is ideal for those planning to use RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ a nylon material. This material choice in the bottom housing of both the Box Royal and the Ginger Milk contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the nylon top housing. Nylon is known for its softness and sound absorption properties, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with this material.
When considering the overall experience of typing on these switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the bottom housing, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although they have different materials in their top and bottom housing, the Kailh Box Royal and the Jwick Ginger Milk can still provide similar results in terms of the overall sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, there are distinct differences between the two. The Box Royal has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Ginger Milk requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy, making them suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams, while the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams. Although the Ginger Milk has a slightly lighter bottom out force, the differences between the two switches are relatively minimal. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, opting for the Kailh Box Royal would be more suitable. Conversely, those seeking a slightly heavier force may find the Jwick Ginger Milk to be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of weight and force, making them suitable choices for individuals with varying preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of the travel distance, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are gaining popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, either switch would provide a similar experience. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial keypress, you might prefer the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, as its slightly longer travel distance might offer a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a shorter or longer travel distance feel.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best known for its sharp and binary tactility. This means that when using these switches, you can expect a strong and distinctive tactile bump with each keypress. The sound profile of the Box Royal is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is an excellent choice.
On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a different typing experience. The Ginger Milk switches have a soft and pastel feel, providing a silky smooth and approachable push. These switches are described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The sound profile of the Ginger Milk is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Jwick Ginger Milk switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal offers a sharp and binary tactility with a relatively higher-pitched sound, while the Ginger Milk provides a buttery and smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a more aggressive and tactile switch or a smoother and quieter linear switch. It's important to consider factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also affect the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for an extremely tactile and aggressive switch with a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal is a great choice for you. Its sharp, binary tactility provides a distinct and intense feedback with each keypress. However, if you prefer a softer and more approachable typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Jwick Ginger Milk is the way to go. Its silky smooth and buttery push feel delivers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Ginger Milk's neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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