Keygeek Briny vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Ginger Milk both stand out as appealing linear options, each with its own distinctive characteristics. The Briny is celebrated for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which deliver a balanced sound profile that suits those who prefer a harmonious typing experience without overwhelming noise. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a consistent and reliable feel while gaming or typing. In contrast, the Ginger Milk offers a soft and pastel aesthetic that mirrors its typing experience. Users often describe the Ginger Milk as providing a silky smooth push feel along with a muted yet snappy sound profile, which can be particularly attractive for those who enjoy typing with a gentle touch. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, the choice between the two largely depends on personal preferences in sound and tactile feel. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches present an interesting contrast in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This material absorbs more sound, creating a characteristic duller and rounder auditory experience. In stark contrast, the Ginger Milk switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This distinction is particularly important for users seeking specific acoustic qualities in their typing experience, as the materials employed in the housing significantly influence the overall sound and feedback of each switch.
When examining the bottom housings, it becomes evident that both the Briny and Ginger Milk employ nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity results in a shared quality of delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile at the bottom-out moment of the switch. The nylon material’s inherent ability to absorb sound means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, the bottom-out sound will have a consistent tone and feel across both switches. This shared nylon bottom housing allows for a cohesive auditory experience, particularly important to typists who appreciate a certain level of tactile and auditory feedback when pressing keys.
Ultimately, the combination of different top materials (nylon for the Briny and polycarbonate for the Ginger Milk) along with a shared nylon bottom housing creates a distinct and varied typing experience between the two switches. The interaction of the two different top materials with their common bottom housing means that the overall sound profile during both key press and release is uniquely influenced by the characteristics of each structure. Users will appreciate how the nylon bottom absorbs sound, creating a cohesive depth in performance, while the top materials contribute to the diversity of auditory feedback, ensuring that each typing experience remains unique yet harmoniously resonant.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we find notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally responsive for triggering keystrokes, which can benefit users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly: the Briny has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ginger Milk has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while both switches feel relatively similar when pressed initially, the Ginger Milk provides a more substantial push as it bottoms out, catering to those who favor a firmer feel. Ultimately, the Briny is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Ginger Milk offers a slightly heavier experience for users who prefer a stronger feedback when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Briny switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter option, providing a snappier response that may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Ginger Milk's longer travel distance could be more suited for users who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, while both switches offer linear characteristics, the Briny's shorter travel could lead to a more responsive experience, whereas the Ginger Milk may feel more satisfying for those who favor a little more depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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
The Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile, offering a clean auditory experience that fits well in a variety of environments. This sound is likely refined without being too loud or intrusive, making it suitable for both workspaces and home use. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch features a muted and snappy sound profile while maintaining a neutral tone. This profile ensures that typists looking for a switch that won't disturb others will find the Ginger Milk to be a good companion. Nonetheless, sound perception can vary significantly depending on the keyboard it’s paired with, particularly the choice of board and keycaps; both switches are likely to deliver satisfying auditory feedback in their own ways.
When it comes to feel, the Briny offers an undefined characteristic, but the Ginger Milk is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes. This implies that the Ginger Milk provides an effortless and fluid typing sensation, making it ideal for extended typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. The absence of a specific description for the Briny's feel leaves some ambiguity, but it can still be expected to provide a solid linear feedback experience that caters to typists seeking a consistent and responsive action without jarring interruptions.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny and Jwick Ginger Milk switches differ in sound and tactile feedback, both switches cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience. The Briny delivers a balanced and manageable auditory output, whereas the Ginger Milk leans towards a quieter and distinctly comfortable feel that enhances sustained typing. Ultimately, both switches will yield satisfying results in their own right, catered to personal preferences and usage contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, your specific preferences and typing environment will play a crucial role. If you lean towards a switch that offers a balanced sound profile and a moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny might be the better option for you. It strikes a nice equilibrium for those who enjoy a tactile yet subdued sound while typing, making it versatile for both casual use and office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a typing experience characterized by smoothness and a muted but snappy sound, the Ginger Milk is likely your best choice. The buttery feel of the Ginger Milk adds an extra layer of comfort, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or if you seek a more enjoyable tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your typing style but also your sound preferences and how each switch feels beneath your fingers during use.
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