Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Hibiscus can significantly influence your typing experience. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft pastel aesthetics, delivering a silky smooth and approachable push feel that makes for a delightful typing experience. Their muted, snappy sound profile evokes a serene environment, making them a perfect fit for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switches are a unique option for enthusiasts seeking a truly luxurious typing experience. With an ultra-light actuation force that makes them stand out among their peers, these switches offer a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that many users find exhilarating. While both switches fall into the linear category, their distinct characteristics cater to different preferences—whether you're drawn to the Ginger Milk’s gentle approachability or the Hibiscus’s spirited responsiveness. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Hibiscus switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, stemming from the differences in their top housings. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer composition. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Its translucent nature not only enhances the aesthetics of the switch when paired with RGB lighting but also accentuates the clarity of the sound produced. In contrast, the Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer qualities. This produces a deeper and more resonant sound profile, absorbing more sound and leading to a duller, rounder acoustic experience. Thus, while the Ginger Milk aims for clarity and precision in sound, the Hibiscus prioritizes depth and warmth.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing material: nylon, which unifies their overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing used in both switches absorbs sound effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the top housing's material. As the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, both the Ginger Milk and Hibiscus will deliver similar experiences in this regard. Enthusiasts can expect that both switches will provide a satisfying tactile feedback and plush sound when bottomed out, creating a bridging effect between their differing top housings.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials create a dynamic interplay in sound characteristics between the two switches, while their shared nylon bottom housings mitigate the differences when typing. Users of the Jwick Ginger Milk will likely appreciate the clarity and brightness from the polycarbonate top, while those who choose the HMX Hibiscus may prefer its rich, full-bodied sound crafted through the nylon. This combination ensures that while users can experience distinctly varied sound profiles, the foundational performance remains consistent across both types, creating a rich palette for keyboard enthusiasts to explore.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, we find notable differences in their characteristics. The Ginger Milk switch features a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Hibiscus switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to users who favor a softer touch that allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Therefore, while both switches have their unique appeal, the Ginger Milk is the heavier option, ideal for individuals seeking a firmer feedback, whereas the lighter Hibiscus is better for those desiring a more effortless keystroke. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces will lead to distinct typing experiences based on personal preference.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch reveals a slight difference, with the Ginger Milk having a travel distance of 3.7 mm and the Hibiscus at 3.5 mm. This makes the Ginger Milk the longer switch, providing a deeper feel when pressed down. For those who enjoy the sensation of a hearty depth and prefer a more pronounced key press, the Ginger Milk may be the better choice. Conversely, the Hibiscus, with its shorter travel distance, could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more abrupt feedback. Ultimately, the differences in travel distances between these two switches cater to varying preferences in typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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
The sound profile of the Jwick Ginger Milk switch is characterized by a muted, snappy quality that strikes a harmonious balance between being unobtrusive and lively. This neutral sound signature allows it to cater to a wide range of environments, making it suitable for both quiet office settings and more dynamic home setups. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch offers a unique auditory experience with its notably clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This switch stands out for its engaging auditory feedback, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced sound during their typing sessions. However, the overall acoustics of either switch can be influenced significantly by factors such as the keyboard build and type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch truly shines with its buttery smoothness, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. This characteristic lends itself to a pleasant typing sensation that’s likely to enhance user comfort and reduce finger fatigue, particularly during extended use. Conversely, there are no specific details available about the feel of the HMX Hibiscus switch, but the description of its ultra-light actuation force may suggest a different tactile experience that prioritizes ease of activation. However, without further information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison regarding tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Hibiscus linear switches present distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Ginger Milk excels with its muted sound and buttery feel, making it a versatile choice for various settings, while the Hibiscus offers an exciting auditory experience with its clacky sound signature and potentially lighter actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual priorities; if acoustics or a particular tactile sensation is more sought after, those factors should guide the decision. For those looking for a well-rounded typing experience, either switch can deliver enjoyable outcomes, though their distinct characteristics will resonate differently with users.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, consider your typing preferences and your intended use. If you appreciate a medium-heavy feel and are looking for a typing experience that is smooth yet offers a muted and snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk switch would be an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for environments where a softer typing sound is preferable, making it a versatile option whether you are at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter actuation force and a more pronounced, clacky sound signature, the HMX Hibiscus switch will likely be more to your liking. This switch caters to those who enjoy an ultra-smooth typing experience and prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a heavier, quieter experience or a lighter, more resonant one, so weigh these factors carefully to find the switch that best complements your typing style.
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