Jwick Ginger Milk vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options that come to mind are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Hyacinth. The Ginger Milk switch is widely recognized for its soft and pastel aesthetic, which perfectly reflects the typing experience it offers. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, coupled with a muted and snappy sound profile, these linear switches provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch stands out for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at avoiding the often uncomfortable hard bottoming-out sensation commonly associated with longer-stemmed switches. Its commitment to achieving an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort sets it apart. Additionally, the Hyacinth switch breaks away from the widespread use of dual-stage elongated springs and incorporates a single-stage elongated spring, resulting in a more consistent force curve. Both switches fall under the category of being 'neutral' in feel, but the Ginger Milk can be described as 'buttery', whereas the Hyacinth is 'silky' and 'subtle'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Jwick Ginger Milk and KTT Hyacinth switches, specifically the polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile. Both polycarbonate top housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to other materials. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those planning to use RGB lighting in their switches, as it allows the lighting to shine through.
Similarly, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced when bottoming out the keys is duller and rounder, creating a different acoustic experience compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
While both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, it's important to note that the qualities offered by each are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, users will experience distinct nuances in sound and feel depending on the specific combination of housing materials used in their chosen switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ginger Milk has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to initiate a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ginger Milk requires a higher force of 63.5 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 56 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the heavier force needed to fully press the keys.
Considering weight preferences, those seeking a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Hyacinth due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter switch enables longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Ginger Milk with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be the preferred choice.
Both switches offer a medium level of resistance, but the Ginger Milk is slightly heavier in both categories. Therefore, those who prefer a heavier typing experience should opt for the Ginger Milk, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Hyacinth more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers often favor shorter travel distances as it allows for quicker response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Ginger Milk with its slightly longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In this case, the Hyacinth with its slightly shorter travel distance would be more suitable. Overall, while there is a slight difference in travel distance between the two switches, both options offer similar results for those who prefer shorter distances.
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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Hyacinth switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound. This makes both switches suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as offering a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke without any resistance or unevenness. The typing sensation is described as seamless, effortless, and uniform. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is described as providing a silky typing experience. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is mentioned that the Hyacinth switch has a subtle resistance, which means it maintains a light typing feel. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the Hyacinth switch potentially having a slightly lighter touch.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Ginger Milk and Hyacinth switches offer positive subjective qualities. They both have a neutral sound profile and provide a smooth typing experience. While the Ginger Milk is described as buttery and the Hyacinth as silky, they both offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It's worth noting that the Ginger Milk has a muted, snappy sound profile, while the Hyacinth aims for a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort through its design choices. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ginger Milk or Hyacinth switch will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire. However, it's important to keep in mind that these descriptions are subjective and may vary based on individual user preferences and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Ginger Milk switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Hyacinth switch has a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams.
The Ginger Milk switch is best known for its soft and pastel typing experience. It offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted and snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience often associated with switches with longer stems. The Hyacinth switch places a strong emphasis on striking a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, and it achieves this by using a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve.
In terms of sound and feel, both switches fall under the neutral category. They have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. The Ginger Milk switch is described as having a buttery feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch offers a silky and exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Hyacinth switch has a subtle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch boils down to personal preference. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a soft and pastel typing experience, the Ginger Milk switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prioritize a lighter bottom out force, a 3.5mm travel distance to minimize bottoming-out, and a silky smooth typing experience with a subtle resistance, the Hyacinth switch may be the ideal choice. Consider your typing preferences and needs when making your selection.
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