Jwick Ginger Milk vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the TTC Ice 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 TTC Ice stand out as two impressive linear options, each offering its unique allure. The Ginger Milk switch captivates with its soft pastel aesthetic and delivers a serene typing experience characterized by a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile—ideal for those who appreciate a neutral yet buttery touch while typing. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch boasts a stunning crystal-clear transparent design that not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a smooth, responsive feel complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. Each switch has its strengths, with the Ginger Milk focusing on a more nuanced tactile sensation and aesthetic, while the Ice emphasizes a premium, clear-cut typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the TTC Ice offer intriguing insights into how they affect the overall sound profile and aesthetic of keyboard switches. Both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the TTC Ice feature polycarbonate top housings, which are noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This consistency in housing material contributes to an auditory experience that is both clear and resonant, making the keyboards suitable for users who enjoy enhanced RGB lighting displays. The translucence of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant light effects, ensuring that both switches will perform similarly under RGB conditions, resulting in an appealing visual as well as auditory experience.
In stark contrast to their identical top housing materials, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly. The Ginger Milk utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which lends a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch due to nylon's softer characteristics. This material absorbs more sound than stiffer options, yielding a duller and rounder auditory signature that softens the impact and feels of key presses. Meanwhile, the TTC Ice's bottom housing remains consistent with its top housing, employing polycarbonate to ensure a unified sound character marked by clarity and sharpness. This discrepancy in housing materials means that while the top end of both switches may produce a similar high-pitched tone, the bottom end feels quite different when typed on.
The varying effects of the housing materials on the overall typing experience illustrate the important role each housing plays in a switch's design. The Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing allows typists to enjoy a rounded sound that enhances the tactile feedback upon bottoming out, creating a more cushioned feel. In contrast, the TTC Ice maintains a consistent auditory sharpness throughout the key-press action, thanks to its uniform use of polycarbonate in both parts. As such, although the two switches share the same top housing benefits, their differing bottom materials make for unique experiences. Users can choose based on whether they prefer a fuller sound profile or a consistent crispness from top to bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, we see differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The Ginger Milk switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which gives it a medium-heavy feel conducive to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a better choice for those who value less effort in keystrokes and longer typing sessions. The difference in actuation forces means that the Ice switch will feel easier to press, while the Ginger Milk will demand a bit more exertion, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer response. Thus, the Ginger Milk is the heavier option, while the Ice is lighter, ultimately focusing on distinct tactile experiences suited to individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, the Ginger Milk switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Ice switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk switch offers a bit more depth when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feedback and a traditional feel. In contrast, the Ice switch, being shorter, may provide a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers and those looking for enhanced efficiency in their key presses. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive experience with a quicker activation, the TTC Ice switch would be the better choice, whereas the Jwick Ginger Milk switch may be more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper, more satisfying keystroke.
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 TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Jwick Ginger Milk and TTC Ice linear switches, both demonstrate distinct acoustic characteristics suitable for various environments. The Ginger Milk offers a muted and snappy sound that resonates well for both beginners and seasoned typists, making it versatile whether you're at home or in a workplace. Its neutral tone makes the switch unobtrusive, allowing for comfortable typing without being overly distracting. In contrast, the sound profile of the Ice switch remains unspecified; however, it is noted to have a satisfying bottom-out sound that adds to its premium feel. This distinction in sound contributes to a more refined typing experience, appealing to users who value both quality in auditory feedback and tactile engagement.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch excels with a buttery smoothness, promoting a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. This trait is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions, as it reduces fatigue and provides a more enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. The Ice switch, while noted for its smooth and responsive feel, lacks a detailed description; nonetheless, it is designed to offer a comfortable typing experience that caters to both gaming and everyday tasks. The emphasis on a smooth feel in both switches indicates that users can expect a refined typing sensation, though the specific tactile qualities of the Ice remain less defined.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and TTC Ice linear switches present appealing qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Ginger Milk is recognized for its muted sound and buttery smooth feel, making it approachable for a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the Ice switch is characterized by its satisfying sound and smooth responsiveness, offering a premium experience that is likely to attract gamers and casual typists alike. While the Ginger Milk provides a clearer picture of both sound and feel, the Ice switch promises a balanced typing experience that, alongside its design, enhances the overall mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk and the TTC Ice linear switches, your specific preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you appreciate a slightly heavier feel and prefer a muted, soft typing experience, the Ginger Milk switch might be the better option for you. With its 63.5 grams of bottom-out force, it offers a buttery smoothness that makes long typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable. This switch is especially suitable for a quieter environment, such as an office or shared space, thanks to its neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you lean toward a lighter and more responsive feel with a satisfying sound that enhances your gaming and everyday tasks, the TTC Ice is an excellent choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force facilitates quicker actuation, making it great for both gaming and general use. Moreover, the clear design of the Ice switch can also add a visually appealing element to your keyboard, in addition to its well-regarded performance. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing preferences, whether you favor a smoother, subdued experience or a more lively and responsive feel.
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