HMX EVA vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EVA and Jwick Ginger Milk both present compelling options for those seeking a linear typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences and aesthetics. The HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, is celebrated for its resonant sound signature and silky smooth typing feel, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate an immersive auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk, known for its soft pastel appearance, offers a muted, snappy sound profile and a buttery smooth push feel, making it wonderfully approachable for users who prefer a more understated acoustic landscape. While both switches deliver a smooth linear action, their unique sound characteristics and aesthetic inspirations may lead keyboard enthusiasts to prefer one over the other. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EVA and Jwick Ginger Milk switches present a notable contrast, particularly in their top housings. The EVA utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material that contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile. This is due to nylon's inherent properties as a softer plastic, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder alternatives. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing sharper and crisper sound qualities. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances resonance, resulting in a clearer auditory experience. Therefore, while the EVA creates a more muted and rounded acoustic environment, the Ginger Milk opens up a brighter, more defined soundscape.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which means they share similar acoustic characteristics in this regard. The nylon bottom housing in both the EVA and Ginger Milk switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its sound-dampening qualities. As the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, this commonality allows both switches to deliver a cohesive auditory experience during key presses. Despite the contrast in their top housings, the nylon material unifies the user experience while typing, ensuring that the tactile feedback remains consistent across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the HMX EVA and Jwick Ginger Milk switches highlights their unique characteristics and the balance of sound profiles they offer. The EVA's nylon top, paired with its similarly constructed bottom, leads to a cohesive, full-bodied sound with a soft touch, while the Ginger Milk’s polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity on release, juxtaposed with the familiar deeper feel from its nylon bottom. By blending these materials, users can achieve distinct sound experiences, whether they prefer the rounded sounds of the EVA or the sharper accents provided by the Ginger Milk when typing or gaming, illustrating how different materials can complement one another in keyboard design.
Weight
The HMX EVA linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch exhibit distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The EVA switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer less resistance, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel that can enhance the typing experience. While both switches effectively serve their respective audiences, the lighter EVA provides a gentler touch, beneficial for endurance, whereas the heavier Ginger Milk may offer more satisfying tactile feedback for users who crave a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we find that the EVA has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the EVA the shorter switch, offering slightly quicker key presses, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Ginger Milk, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, provides a bit more depth, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, choosing the EVA could lead to a more responsive experience, while the Ginger Milk may be preferable for users who value a deeper keystroke. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 HMX EVA linear switch features a resonant sound signature that likely produces a richer auditory experience, evoking a more immersive feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch has a muted, snappy sound profile that delivers a neutral auditory experience, making it versatile for both casual and serious typing endeavors. Given that sound can be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap setup, users might find the EVA's sound more pronounced depending on their configuration, while the Ginger Milk would sound consistent and unobtrusive, making it suitable for a variety of environments from home to office.
Regarding feel, the HMX EVA is characterized by its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for a gentle and effortless keystroke that provides a soothing tactile sensation. Similarly, the Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery feel, which emphasizes a seamless and fluid typing encounter. Both switches are designed for a comfortable push feel, making them appealing to users seeking a pleasant typing experience. This shared quality ensures that regardless of the switch chosen, users will enjoy smooth keystrokes, reinforcing the importance of personal preference in selecting mechanical switches.
In conclusion, both the HMX EVA and Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, though they differ in sound signature. The EVA showcases a resonant auditory profile, while the Ginger Milk offers a muted and snappy option. Comfort is a hallmark of both switches, featuring a smooth typing experience that may appeal to various users. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on whether you prefer a more immersive sound experience or a consistent quiet environment, coupled with the equally satisfying feel both switches provide.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when determining the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a slightly more expressive auditory experience, the HMX EVA linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it less strenuous during long typing sessions, and its resonant sound signature could enhance your typing enjoyment, especially if you appreciate the unique aesthetic inspired by Evangelion Unit-01. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a more subdued and refined typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is likely to suit you better. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a buttery smooth feel, these switches provide a solid and satisfying keystroke that remains accessible for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. Furthermore, their neutral sound profile ensures that they can comfortably fit into any environment, whether you're working from home or in a shared office. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize weight and sound resonance or a more moderate push feel with a refined auditory experience, and select the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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