HMX EMO vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the HMX EMO and the Jwick Ginger Milk mechanical keyboard switches, both offer excellent qualities for different preferences. The HMX EMO switch provides a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making typing effortless and bouncy. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. While the HMX EMO is categorized as a linear switch, the Jwick Ginger Milk falls into the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Buttery'. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to those who prefer a more lively typing experience with the HMX EMO or a smoother and softer feel with the Jwick 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
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and Jwick Ginger Milk, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice creates a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile in both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches helps in creating a distinct auditory experience for users.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the HMX EMO utilizes nylon while the Jwick Ginger Milk also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches benefit from the qualities nylon brings to the bottom housing, impacting the sound and feel when keypresses are made.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials in these switches are divided between the top and bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. While both switches share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches highlights the importance of material selection for achieving specific sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it is clear that the EMO is lighter in both aspects. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The EMO offers a lighter typing experience overall, which may be preferable for those who like to type for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk provides a more substantial typing experience with heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO 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. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The EMO has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ginger Milk, which may result in a slightly quicker response time. However, the Ginger Milk offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more deliberate and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
The HMX EMO switch is best known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel, creating a muted yet snappy sound profile. When it comes to sound, the EMO switch's profile is yet to be described, while the Ginger Milk switch is labeled as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the EMO switch's descriptor is unknown, while the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Overall, while the EMO switch focuses on a lively and clacky typing experience, the Ginger Milk switch provides a soft and smooth push feel with a muted sound profile, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual user's preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a feather-light bottom-out force and a lively, clacky feel, the HMX EMO switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making your decision. Ultimately, the decision between the HMX EMO and Ginger Milk switches will depend on your individual preferences and priorities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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