KTT Darling vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling and the Jwick Ginger Milk mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, provides a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches offer a soft and pastel typing experience, characterized by a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. While the Darling is known for its bouncy and clacky feedback, the Ginger Milk switches are more neutral and buttery in their tactile response. However, let's dig a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Jwick Ginger Milk are quite similar, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound when typing on both the Darling and Ginger Milk switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Darling utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This provides a unique typing experience on the Darling switch compared to the Ginger Milk, which also features a nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer a combination of materials that impact the overall sound and feel, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the KTT Darling and the Jwick Ginger Milk share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Darling's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a distinct typing experience compared to the Ginger Milk. Both switches offer a balance of materials that contribute to their overall sound quality, offering users a mix of characteristics to enhance their typing experience. Whether using the Darling or the Ginger Milk, users can expect a unique and satisfying sound profile thanks to the combination of housing materials utilized in each switch.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling has a lighter 53 grams compared to the Ginger Milk's heavier 63.5 grams. This means that while the Darling may feel easier to trigger keystrokes, the Ginger Milk provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Darling for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel might opt for the Ginger Milk for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Ginger Milk switch slightly longer than the Darling switch. Both of these travel distances are on the shorter end of the spectrum, making them ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance allows for quick and easy key presses, perfect for quick movements in games. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the Darling switch to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Ginger Milk switch for a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant typing experience, creating a sharp and engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the crisp and bright sound of the Darling or the more moderate sound of the Ginger Milk.
When it comes to feel, the Darling switch is known for its bouncy tactile sensation, offering a springy and responsive keystroke experience. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch provides a buttery smooth feel, giving users a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Darling emphasizing bounce and liveliness, while the Ginger Milk focuses on a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched sound, while the Ginger Milk offers a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and muted sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound characteristics. It is worth mentioning that both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different nuances in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, think about your preferences for typing sensation and sound profile. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound, the Darling switch may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Ginger Milk switch could be your ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the unique characteristics of each switch and how they align with your personal preferences for typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
