Jwick Ginger Milk vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Grapefruit stand out as top contenders. The Ginger Milk is renowned for its soft and pastel aesthetics, mirroring the typing experience these switches offer. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile, this linear switch is sure to satisfy those who prefer a gentle and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches boast a unique charm of their own. These tarty linear switches combine a soft and light typing feel with a "baritone," albeit not yet "bass" deep sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, the Grapefruit switch offers a distinct typing experience for those seeking a refined touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Grapefruit switches are very similar, as both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal.
Where the two switches differ in housing material is in the nylon bottom housing. The Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Grapefruit. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, when typing on the Ginger Milk, the bottom housing will have a stronger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience than the Grapefruit.
However, it's important to note that the impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, you will primarily feel the qualities of the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the slight difference in bottom housing material, both the Ginger Milk and Grapefruit will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the overall sound profile and responsiveness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The Ginger Milk has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Grapefruit's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ginger Milk has a higher force of 63.5 grams compared to the Grapefruit's 53 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk has a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push for a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Grapefruit offers a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation and bottom out force. If one prefers a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, the Grapefruit would be a suitable choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel and prefer a stronger push, the Ginger Milk would be the better option. Overall, both switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Grapefruit switch is slightly longer than the Ginger Milk switch. 4.0mm is considered the more traditional travel distance, while 3.7mm is a bit on the shorter side. Gamers often opt for shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Ginger Milk switch a favorable choice in that regard. On the other hand, some people find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. For those seeking a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, the Grapefruit switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch have distinct differences in their subjective qualities. Starting with sound, the Ginger Milk switch offers a muted and snappy sound profile. This creates a neutral and moderate sound experience suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists using the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch produces a low-pitched sound with a deeper tone, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow quality compared to higher-pitched switches. This can provide a unique and soothing sound experience for those who prefer a deeper tone. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is often described as providing a silky smooth and approachable push feel. It offers a buttery typing experience characterized by a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation. This smooth and fluid keystroke experience can greatly enhance typing comfort and precision. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch is known for its polished feel, indicating a refined and smooth finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The combination of a polished finish and potential factory lubing can contribute to a satisfying and seamless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk switch delivers a muted and snappy sound profile along with a buttery typing experience, while the Grapefruit switch produces a low-pitched sound with a deep tone and offers a polished feel. Both switches provide unique typing experiences that can cater to different preferences. However, it's worth mentioning that individual results may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used. If you are seeking similar results in terms of sound and feel, either switch can potentially meet your needs based on the descriptions provided.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that is silky smooth and approachable, along with a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a soft, light typing feel, along with a "baritone" deep sound profile, then the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be the better option. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and sound profiles, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use these switches at home or work, both of these switches are suitable for various intents and purposes. The Ginger Milk provides a buttery and uniform typing sensation, while the Grapefruit offers a polished and sleek typing experience, thanks to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the decision between Jwick Ginger Milk and KTT Grapefruit would depend on your individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
