Kailh Box White vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch but can't decide between a clicky switch or a linear switch? Well, let's take a closer look at two popular options: the Kailh Box White, known for its clickiness, and the Jwick Ginger Milk, known for its linear feel. The Box White offers maximum audio feedback, with a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and a pronounced tactility when typing. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk provides a soft and pastel typing experience, with a silky smooth and approachable push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. The Box White falls under the category of resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, while the Ginger Milk is categorized as neutral and buttery. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide which switch is the best fit 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
Yes
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 White and Jwick Ginger Milk switches both share the use of polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in an enhanced sound profile, characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those planning to utilize RGB lighting in their setup. Therefore, regardless of whether you opt for the Box White or the Ginger Milk, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Box White and Ginger Milk switches employ nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This absorption characteristic contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a satisfying depth. Thus, regardless of the chosen switch, users can anticipate a similar immersive auditory experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
However, it is essential to note that if the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be distributed accordingly. When pressing down on the switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will predominantly stem from the qualities of the bottom housing. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound profile will be influenced primarily by the properties of the top housing. Therefore, while the Box White and Ginger Milk switches share similar housing materials, the distribution of these materials throughout the switch design may result in subtle distinctions in the overall sound and tactile feedback experienced.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it is clear that both switches have a similar actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, resulting in a comparable typing experience in terms of sensitivity. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Kailh Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the Jwick Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier and classified as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kailh Box White would be the better option as it has a lighter bottom out force. This lighter force allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if a user prefers a more substantial and pronounced keystroke, the Jwick Ginger Milk would be the preferred choice with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This heavier force provides a stronger push feel, giving a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation force remains the same for both switches, the difference lies in the bottom out force. The Kailh Box White is lighter with a medium bottom out force, whereas the Jwick Ginger Milk is slightly heavier with a medium-heavy bottom out force. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive inputs, choosing either of these switches would yield similar results. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt. In such cases, the Ginger Milk switch with its slightly longer travel distance could be a better choice as it provides a bit more depth and a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired balance between responsiveness and key travel depth.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White switch offers a unique and immersive auditory experience. Typing on these switches produces a crisp and sharp sound profile, often likened to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch provides a more neutral sound profile. With a moderate sound level, it is suitable for various purposes and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box White switch delivers a polished typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek key travel. This results in a satisfying and premium typing sensation. Conversely, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery feel. The keystrokes are smooth, fluid, and effortless, providing a seamless and uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch stands out for its resonant sound profile. It offers an immersive auditory experience with its higher-pitched and crunchy sound when typing. Additionally, it provides a polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various scenarios, and it delivers a buttery typing experience with its smooth and effortless keystrokes. Depending on your preferences, you can expect different subjective qualities from these two switches. However, if you enjoy the immersive sound and polished feel offered by the Kailh Box White, you can achieve similar results with the Jwick Ginger Milk in terms of sound neutrality and a buttery typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and a distinct tactile feel, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and an accented tactility when typing. The sound profile is resonant and high-pitched, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. Additionally, the Box White offers a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more approachable typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be a better fit. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Ginger Milk offers a muted and snappy sound profile. It provides a silky smooth and buttery push feel, resulting in a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The Ginger Milk is a neutral switch, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize audio feedback, tactile feel, and a polished typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a softer, smoother, and more approachable typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is the better option. Consider your preferences and requirements to make an informed decision.
Mentioned in this article
