HMX Deep Navy vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy switches offer a rich and sharp sound profile, facilitated by their full nylon construction, which enhances the overall auditory feedback while typing. The silky smoothness provided by the Ly stem elevates the tactile satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced and immersive experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches deliver a softer, pastel-like sensation that contributes to a uniquely gentle typing experience. With their muted yet snappy sound profile, these switches offer a neutral and buttery feel, appealing to those who prefer a more approachable touch. Both switches have their distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences—whether you're drawn to the auditory richness of the Deep Navy or the nuanced softness of the Ginger Milk. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Ginger Milk, notable differences in their top housing compositions result in distinct sound profiles. The Deep Navy's top housing utilizes nylon, a softer plastic known for its ability to absorb sound. This characteristic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The clarity and resonance from the polycarbonate make it ideal for those who favor a brighter typing sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
The bottom housing materials for both switches share a similar composition, as both the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Ginger Milk utilize nylon. This commonality means that when typing on either switch, the bottom-out sound and feel will be largely influenced by the softer nylon material. As a result, both switches will deliver a duller and fuller sound at the point of bottoming out, creating consistency in the tactile experience. This similarity indicates that while the overall sound signature can differ significantly due to the top housing, the deeper sound profile produced at the bottom-out will resonate similarly for both switches.
Despite the differing top housing materials, it's important to note that the interaction between both housings largely dictates the overall auditory experience of each switch. The Deep Navy’s nylon top housing contributes to a muffled and rounded sound when released, while the Jwick Ginger Milk's polycarbonate housing emphasizes clarity and brightness. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they share a common foundation that brings a cohesive tactile feedback during use. Ultimately, whether one prefers the softer depth of the Deep Navy or the bright resonance of the Ginger Milk, both switches deliver unique typing experiences shaped significantly by their respective top housing materials while retaining a deeper auditory consistency at the point of bottoming out.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Deep Navy switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for those seeking a comfortable typing experience over extended periods, such as during long gaming sessions or work assignments. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch, with a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offers a more substantial tactile feel, appealing to users who favor a firmer push while typing. Consequently, the Deep Navy is considered lighter overall, while the Ginger Milk is the heavier option. This difference in forces suggests that users will experience a varied typing experience, with the Deep Navy providing a gentler touch and the Ginger Milk delivering a more robust feedback sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, the Deep Navy stands out with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ginger Milk measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Ginger Milk the longer travel option by a slight margin, offering a more pronounced feel when pressed down. For users seeking a more responsive experience, the shorter travel of the Deep Navy may be ideal, as shorter distances are often favored by gamers for their quicker activation. Conversely, the Ginger Milk's longer travel distance could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing or gaming, offering a less abrupt tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch stands out with its rich and sharp audio profile, offering a unique auditory experience that is both engaging and immersive. Its full nylon construction likely contributes to this distinctive quality, allowing the sound to resonate with depth. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch produces a more muted and snappy sound profile, described as neutral. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether in a bustling office or a serene home setting. Both switches can be affected by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, but the Deep Navy’s characteristic sharpness contrasts with the Ginger Milk’s softer tones.
Regarding the feel, the Deep Navy switch brings an incredibly smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stem, ensuring that each keystroke flows seamlessly. This quality can provide a sense of satisfaction during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switch offers what can be described as a buttery sensation, providing users with a fluid and effortless keystroke. While both switches aim for a smooth feel, the Deep Navy emphasizes a rich and sharp experience, whereas the Ginger Milk focuses on an approachable and seamless push.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Deep Navy and Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches prioritize smoothness in their feel, they diverge in their sound profiles and overall auditory experience. The Deep Navy offers a more pronounced and immersive sound, while the Ginger Milk is tuned for versatility with a more muted tone. Depending on personal preference, one might prefer the engaging sound of the Deep Navy or the neutral and accommodating nature of the Ginger Milk. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying performance, but their unique characteristics may appeal to different types of users.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences for weight, sound, and overall typing experience. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Deep Navy will likely provide an exhilarating experience due to its silky smoothness and engaging sound profile. This switch is particularly suitable for those who type rapidly and enjoy an expressive audio feedback, making it ideal for gaming or high-speed typing scenarios. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Ginger Milk might be more to your liking. Its muted yet snappy sound profile, combined with a buttery smooth keystroke, makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a balanced typing feel that remains comfortable over long sessions, be it for work or casual use. Ultimately, your choice should resonate with your typing style, whether you aim for the playful engagement of the Deep Navy or the comforting consistency of the Ginger Milk.
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