Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Ice King linear mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Ginger Milk switches are praised for their soft and pastel appearance, providing a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switches stand out for their full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a silky smooth typing experience. The Ginger Milk switches are categorized as neutral and buttery, while the Ice King Linear switches are categorized as silky, frictionless, subdued, creamy, and polished. If you prioritize a softer aesthetic and snappy sound, the Ginger Milk switches may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience with a more polished and frictionless feel, the Ice King Linear switches might be the better option. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Ice King Linear, we see that they both utilize nylon in their bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. However, with the Ginger Milk's top housing made of polycarbonate and the Ice King Linear's top housing made of nylon, we see a difference in sound production. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softness.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Ice King Linear both provide a unique sound profile thanks to their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience for both switches. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in the final sound output. With the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing creating a clear and resonant sound profile, and the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, users can expect distinct auditory experiences when using these switches.
In conclusion, while both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Ice King Linear share a common bottom housing material in nylon, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk provides a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to users seeking a more rounded sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the sound output and user experience, making them unique choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, the Ginger Milk has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the Ice King Linear is slightly lighter at 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ginger Milk for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Ice King Linear for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, making them ideal for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance as it allows for faster response times. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to your keystrokes, you may want to opt for the Ginger Milk with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 subjective sound qualities of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer different experiences. The Ginger Milk provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments, with a muted and snappy sound. In contrast, the Ice King Linear offers a subdued sound, producing a dampened noise when pressed, creating a more subtle sound signature overall. Your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the final sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as offering a buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, ultimately delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and friction. Both switches aim to enhance the overall smoothness of typing but achieve it through slightly different means, giving users a variety of options based on personal preferences.
Overall, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, with each switch providing unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Ginger Milk leans towards a neutral sound and a buttery feel, the Ice King Linear offers a subdued sound and a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, knowing that they will get similar results in terms of smoothness, albeit with slight variations in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a soft, pastel aesthetic along with a silky smooth and muted typing experience, then the Ginger Milk may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a full nylon construction with generous factory lube, and a subdued, dampened sound profile for a smooth and effortless typing experience, then the Ice King Linear may be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and aesthetics.
Mentioned in this article
