Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Huano Grape Orange both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its soft and pastel feel—delivering a silky smooth push with a muted yet snappy sound profile; it presents a neutral and buttery typing experience that can appeal to users looking for comfort alongside tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switch boasts an exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, making it an ideal choice for those who engage in extensive typing sessions, as it requires less effort with each keystroke. While both switches belong to the linear category, where smoothness is emphasized, they diverge in the sensations they provide—one favoring a subtle tactile embrace in a quieter atmosphere, and the other promoting an easy, breezy typing flow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Huano Grape Orange switches, it's notable that both share a commonality in their top and bottom housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The polycarbonate top housing is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, owing to its stiffness, which allows for a clearer resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, making them particularly favorable for setups with RGB lighting, as the brightness and colors can shine through the clear housing. Thus, users can expect similar auditory qualities and visual effects when employing either switch in their keyboard configurations.
When exploring the bottom housing materials, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Huano Grape Orange use nylon, a classic choice that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, this results in a rounder and duller sound when typing, which contrasts distinctly with the crispness of the polycarbonate top. Although the type of material used for the bottom housing in both switches is identical, it plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound characteristic when bottoming out during typing.
Ultimately, while the housing materials for both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Huano Grape Orange switches are the same, their individual contributions create a nuanced sound experience. The top housing’s polycarbonate will bring a bright and resonant sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing will provide a warmer, fuller sound at the bottom of each keystroke. This segmentation of sound characteristics between the top and bottom housings allows them to complement each other, resulting in a harmonious blend for typists seeking the best of both worlds. Thus, users can expect a cohesive auditory profile that benefits from the unique strengths of both housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ginger Milk requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Grape Orange is lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions, such as in a work environment or during long gaming marathons, may find the Grape Orange more suitable. On the other hand, those who favor a more substantial typing experience will likely appreciate the firmer feel of the Ginger Milk. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option with lower actuation and bottom-out forces, while the Ginger Milk offers a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Ginger Milk featuring a travel distance of 3.7 mm and the Grape Orange slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk provides a deeper keypress experience, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Grape Orange's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, those who prioritize quickness and responsiveness might prefer the Grape Orange, while individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keypress will likely gravitate towards the Ginger Milk. Therefore, the Ginger Milk is the longer option, and the Grape Orange, being 0.1 mm shorter, is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a muted and snappy sound profile, which contributes to its reputation for being versatile and suitable for different environments, whether at home or in the office. This neutrality in sound allows for an unobtrusive typing experience, making it less likely to disrupt those around you while still providing satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Huano Grape Orange switches are not explicitly detailed. However, since they aim for a light and effortless typing experience, it can be hypothesized that their sound profile is also designed to be gentle and non-intrusive, echoing similar ideals of a pleasant typing atmosphere.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their buttery smoothness, offering a seamless and enjoyable keystroke experience. This quality implies that users can expect a fluid motion throughout their typing, reducing fatigue during extended use. The Grape Orange switches, while providing an exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, are designed to feel effortless and reduce strain during long typing sessions. Although their specific tactile feedback isn’t described, the combination of a lightweight push and the potential for smoothness may also lead to an agreeable and comfortable typing experience.
In summary, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Huano Grape Orange linear switches cater to users looking for comfort and ease during typing. The Ginger Milk offers a soft and muted sound with a buttery feel, making it great for those who enjoy a balance of auditory and tactile satisfaction. The Grape Orange promotes a lightweight and effortless typing experience, ideal for longer sessions. While their sound and feel may cater to slightly different preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, allowing novice users to find value regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you prefer a typing experience that feels more substantial with a sweetly engaging sound profile, the Ginger Milk is likely your best bet, especially if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation feel and a buttery keystroke. This switch is well-suited for both work and casual typing, allowing for a versatile experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize effortless typing and comfort during long sessions, the Grape Orange's lighter 50-gram bottom-out force might be the ideal choice for you. With its ultra-low actuation force, it excels in reducing finger fatigue, making it perfect for intensive typing tasks. Thus, consider the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard and how much feedback you want from each keystroke: go for the Ginger Milk for a balanced, robust experience, or choose the Grape Orange for its feather-light agility and ease of input.
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