HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Jwick Ginger Milk

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, a crucial choice lies between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jwick Ginger Milk, both known for their linear characteristics but offering distinct typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile and lightweight feel, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and engaging typing atmosphere. Its silky smooth actuation makes it a joy for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches provide a softer and pastel feel, leaning into a more muted, yet still snappy sound profile. This results in a typing experience that is approachable and pleasant, perfect for users who prefer a calmer environment to focus on their work or gaming. While both switches share the linear trait, their unique auditory and tactile qualities cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jwick Ginger Milk, one can observe notable differences in their top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, sound-absorbing properties. This characteristic allows for a rounder acoustic experience, making it particularly appealing to users who prefer a more subdued and muted typing sound. In contrast, the Ginger Milk utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback, catering to those who enjoy a brighter and more articulate typing experience.

The bottom housing of both switches, interestingly, aligns as both the Cloud - 50g and the Ginger Milk use nylon in this component. This shared material ensures that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The underlying principle is that nylon absorbs sound, yielding a softer bottom-out sound that enhances the tactile experience of typing. Therefore, regardless of the distinct sound characteristics provided by the different top housings, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing. This leads to a synergy in feel and sound, as the nylon known for its classic switch housing qualities provides a consistent foundation in both cases.

Given these characteristics, if one were to use these switches in a typing context, they would receive contrasting audio feedback from the top housings while still benefiting from the consistent and deeper sound profile from the nylon bottom housings. While the Cloud - 50g might offer a more subdued experience with every keypress, the Ginger Milk would provide a lively and crisp response. Thus, while the overall acoustic performance might differ due to the specifics of the top housing material, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both keyboards have a satisfying, rounded feel during use, allowing for somewhat similar experiences in terms of overall typing comfort and feedback.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who appreciate a softer typing experience for prolonged use or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch has a stronger actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, the Ginger Milk provides a medium-heavy experience, accommodating different typing preferences among users. If users seek a balance between responsiveness and comfort, they may find satisfaction in the Cloud's lighter touch, while those desiring a firmer resistance may gravitate towards the Ginger Milk switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Ginger Milk measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This makes the Ginger Milk the ideal choice for those seeking quicker keypress responses, as shorter travel distances can enhance gaming performance or fast typing. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different typing preferences, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a deeper experience, making it the longer option over the Jwick Ginger Milk.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a bright and pronounced auditory feedback during typing, which many enthusiasts appreciate. This quality tends to resonate well in environments where the sound of keystrokes is valued, such as gaming or writing. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch boasts a muted and snappy sound profile, described as neutral. This makes it suitable for a wider range of settings, including offices, where a softer auditory impact is preferable. While the Cloud - 50g can offer a more expressive sound, the Ginger Milk provides a more subdued experience, catering to those who prioritize a quieter typing atmosphere.

When it comes to feel, both switches provide a silky smooth experience that users find enjoyable. The Cloud - 50g is highlighted for its smoothness, making it a pleasant choice for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Ginger Milk switch is characterized by its buttery feel, ensuring that keystrokes flow effortlessly. This seamless keystroke experience in both switches makes them approachable for users at different levels of familiarity with mechanical keyboards, as they don't require significant adjustment to enjoy their performance.

In summary, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches offer smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, they differ in sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g delivers a clacky, bright sound, ideal for enthusiasts, whereas the Ginger Milk's muted, snappy quality provides versatility for various environments. Knowing these characteristics allows newcomers to choose based on their sound preferences and environmental needs while benefiting from similarly smooth keystroke experiences across both switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for force, sound, and tactile experience. If you favor a lighter keystroke with a clacky sound profile and enjoy a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be a great choice, especially if you're looking for an enthusiastic typing experience or gaming sessions where quick response times are crucial. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial actuation with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch is ideal for you. It provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile that adapts well in both quiet work environments and casual typing. In the end, consider your typical usage scenarios—be it gaming, typing, or professional work—to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more