Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Gravel both offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft, pastel-like feel, delivering a typing experience that is silky smooth and approachable, accompanied by a muted yet snappy sound profile. Their neutral and buttery characteristics make them a delightful choice for those who favor a gentle touch and a soft auditory environment. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switches stand out with their exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that makes each keystroke feel responsive and effortless. This switch excels for users seeking a swift and comfortable typing experience without compromising on smoothness. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they offer distinct tactile nuances that can greatly influence your typing experience. 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
45g
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Gravel switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a more resonant tonal quality. This similarity ensures that users of both switches can expect clear sound outputs, particularly notable when pressed down, making these switches especially appealing for those who enjoy RGB lighting effects. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetics, allowing for dynamic light diffusion that adds flair to a keyboard.
When examining the bottom housings of the Ginger Milk and Gravel, however, we see a notable consistency in the use of nylon. As a classic material for switch housings, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature enables the material to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, generating a rounder and mellower auditory experience when typing. The combination of nylon with polycarbonate in both switches allows for a unique sonic blend: the nylon base fosters a grounded, satisfying feel upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate top provides clarity and brightness to the release sound.
In comparing the overall sound signature of the two switches, it becomes evident that their distinctive housing materials work in tandem to create a balanced auditory experience. The dual-material design means that while both switches share a crispness from the polycarbonate tops, they also possess the warmth and fullness contributed by nylon bottoms. This architectural harmony between the stiffer top and the softer bottom ensures that users will appreciate a rich sound landscape, marked by an intriguing juxtaposition of clarity and depth. Consequently, those seeking a premium typing experience will find that both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Gravel deliver compelling and enjoyable results.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch offer contrasting profiles in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gravel switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In this comparison, the Ginger Milk is the heavier switch, while the Gravel is lighter, making the latter an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, the significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces cater to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gravel measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk offers a more substantial feel when pressed, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, reflecting a preference for "hearty depth." On the other hand, the Gravel's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, often favored by gamers. Therefore, if you're looking for a faster, more responsive switch, the Gravel might be the better option, while the Ginger Milk would suit users who enjoy a deeper tactile experience.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch features a muted and snappy sound profile, described as neutral, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This balance allows for a pleasant typing experience without being overly distracting. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the HMX Gravel linear switch is not specified, leaving an unknown quality that potential users may want to explore further. However, it’s essential to remember that the sound of any switch can be influenced by the keyboard plate, casing, and keycap material used, so those factors will also play a crucial role.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is characterized by a buttery, silky smooth keystroke, which creates a seamless typing experience for the user. This makes the switch very approachable and enjoyable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gravel switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness as well, along with a medium-light actuation force that leans towards a lighter touch. This combination results in a responsive and effortless typing experience, suggesting that users of both switches will appreciate their smooth keystrokes, though the experience is tailored slightly differently.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Gravel linear switches promise an enjoyable and refined typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ginger Milk's muted sound and buttery feel make it an excellent choice for those looking for a soft and approachable option, while the Gravel’s lighter actuation and emphasis on smoothness may appeal to users who favor responsiveness. Ultimately, despite their variations, users can expect to find satisfaction in either switch based on individual typing style and environment; if you're seeking smoothness, both options deliver that quality effectively.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Gravel linear switches, your preference for typing feel, sound, and actuation force should guide your choice. If you enjoy a medium-heavy, tactile typing experience that feels both silky smooth and slightly muted, the Ginger Milk switch could be an excellent fit for you. This switch is also versatile enough for various environments, making it suitable whether you're typing in a quiet office or at home. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and seek an effortless typing experience with a focus on responsiveness, the HMX Gravel is your ideal choice. These switches excel in providing a refined, smooth keystroke that feels effortless—perfect for those marathon typing sessions or gaming environments where rapid inputs are essential. Consider how you plan to use your keyboard and weigh the sound profiles and feedback from each switch to make the decision that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
