Huano Elf vs. Jwick Ginger Milk

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Jwick Ginger Milk both stand out as impressive options, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Huano Elf switch is renowned for its POK top housing, which not only enhances acoustics but also provides a deep sound signature, coupled with a medium-light feel that ensures a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch presents a softer, pastel design, epitomizing a silky smooth and approachable push feel, which is complemented by its muted yet snappy sound profile. While both switches are linear and promise fluid keystrokes, the Elf is ideal for those who appreciate a richer audio experience, while the Ginger Milk appeals to users who favor a more gentle and subdued feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Elf and Jwick Ginger Milk switches employ different materials for their top housings, highlighted by the Elf's POK (polyketone) and the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate. The POK material offers an exceptionally low coefficient of friction, resulting in smooth operation and a sound profile that is clacky and responsive. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing's stiffness lends itself to a sharper, crisper sound, which is amplified when used with RGB lighting due to its translucent properties. Although both materials serve the purpose of enhancing the switch's performance, their contrasting compositions culminate in distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The POK focuses on reducing friction and enhancing durability, while polycarbonate prioritizes sound clarity and aesthetic appeal.

On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a shared auditory characteristic: a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound better than stiffer plastics, lending a rounded auditory experience that few other materials can replicate. This similarity provides a level of consistency across both switches in terms of how they feel and sound when pressed. Despite the differences in their top housings, the common use of nylon for the bottom housing allows both the Huano Elf and Jwick Ginger Milk to create a balanced sound profile, combining the elasticity of the nylon with the specific properties of their respective top housing materials.

When the combined effects of the housing materials are considered for both switches, it becomes clear how the differences in top housing can influence the overall switch experience. In the Huano Elf, the smooth and durable POK top will ensure a pleasant tactile feedback and sound when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom maintains that full sound resonance. Meanwhile, the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top will lend a distinctive higher-pitched noise upon release, working with the nylon's depth and warmth. Ultimately, this synthesis of materials delivers a rich auditory experience, where each switch's characteristics shine through depending on the action taken. The integration of these materials highlights how design choices can create nuanced outcomes in typing experience, sound profile, and durability.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Elf requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Ginger Milk has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Regarding bottom out forces, the Ginger Milk's value is specified at 63.5 grams, indicating a firmer bottoming out sensation, while the Elf does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving that information unknown. Thus, while both switches are designed for linear key presses, the Elf is the lighter option, suited for prolonged use, whereas the Ginger Milk offers a heavier, more tactile response for those who appreciate a firmer key feel.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch differ slightly, with the Elf measuring 3.6 mm and the Ginger Milk at 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers seeking quick response times, the Ginger Milk offers a marginally longer travel distance compared to the Elf. This extra 0.1 mm could provide a slightly more defined feeling when pressing the key, which might appeal to users who prefer a depthier keypress. Therefore, if responsiveness is your primary concern, the Elf would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance; however, if you enjoy a bit more travel for a hearty feel, the Ginger Milk would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf switch is recognized for its deep sound signature, thanks to the POK top housing that enhances acoustics. This results in a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, contributing to a rich and satisfying experience. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a muted and snappy sound profile, typified as neutral. This makes it versatile enough for various settings, whether at home or work, appealing to users who prefer a less disruptive auditory experience. Factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can influence the overall sound, but you can expect a notably different auditory environment from each switch.

In terms of feel, the Elf switch delivers a medium-light keystroke that many users find satisfying, promoting a comfortable typing experience. While the specific tactile feedback of the Elf isn't detailed, its lightness suggests an ease in pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switch is characterized by its buttery feel, offering a silky smooth and fluid keystroke. This seamless typing sensation is designed to minimize any effort required during use, catering to those who appreciate a more effortless touch while typing.

Overall, while both the Huano Elf and Jwick Ginger Milk switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each offer distinct characteristics that can affect your typing experience. The Elf provides a deeper audio signature with a medium-light actuation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the Ginger Milk emphasizes a silky smooth feel with a neutral sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more effortless typing experience. Depending on your specific requirements, both switches can deliver enjoyable results but with different auditory and tactile experiences.

Conclusion

To summarize, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences for sound and feel as well as your typing experience goals. If you enjoy a deeper sound signature with a medium-light feel, the Elf switch may be ideal for your setup, particularly if you're seeking a more acoustic and resonant typing experience. This switch can be great for leisurely typing or gaming when you want a satisfying but not overly heavy keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a smooth and buttery keystroke, the Jwick Ginger Milk is the better choice. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for both work and play, providing a more approachable push feel that can be appreciated by both beginners and seasoned typists. Given these factors, consider what aspects of typing are most vital to you: the unique acoustic charm of the Elf or the silky, smooth typing experience that the Ginger Milk provides.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more