HMX Cheese vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Jwick Ginger Milk mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that each switch offers unique qualities to consider. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches stand out for being lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch is characterized by its soft and pastel nature, offering a silky smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. While the Cheese switch falls under a specific category, the Ginger Milk falls under a different set of descriptors. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Jwick Ginger Milk both play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Cheese's nylon bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, the Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as well.
Despite their differences, both the Cheese and the Ginger Milk switches benefit from the unique qualities of their housing materials. The nylon top housing of the Cheese and the nylon bottom housing of the Ginger Milk create a deeper and rounder sound profile, adding a sense of fullness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk delivers a crisper and more resonant sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. While the materials may vary between the switches, they each bring distinct advantages to the overall sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material for a switch can greatly impact the sound it produces. The HMX Cheese's nylon housing contributes to a deeper and more absorbent sound profile, while the Jwick Ginger Milk's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and clearer sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the properties of their housing materials. Whether it's a softer nylon or a stiffer polycarbonate, each material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch, providing users with a diverse range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Ginger Milk has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions, while the Ginger Milk's heavier forces may be more suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches provide unique options for different preferences, allowing users to select the one that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Cheese has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ginger Milk. The shorter travel distance of the Cheese may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ginger Milk may provide a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the key. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its smoothness, lightness, and satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a softer and more muted typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and a snappy sound profile. While the Cheese switch focuses on a lighter and more crisp sound, the Ginger Milk switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the Cheese switch's feel is not explicitly described, while the Ginger Milk switch is referred to as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, as both offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, if you prefer a light switch with a smooth typing experience and a clacky sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a soft and pastel typing experience and a muted, snappy sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be the better option. Consider your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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