Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch. The Ginger Milk switches are praised for their soft and pastel appearance, mirroring the typing experience they offer - a silky smooth push feel accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', these switches provide a pleasant typing experience for those who prefer a smooth and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switches are known for elevating tactile typing to an art form, delivering creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump that results in a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. With categories such as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', these switches offer a blend of tactile feedback and smoothness that appeals to users seeking a more tactile and responsive typing experience. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile, the most significant difference lies in the top housing material. While the Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff and clear properties that result in a sharper sound profile, the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. This distinction in materials directly affects the sound produced by each switch, with the Ginger Milk boasting a crisper sound and the Ice King Tactile delivering a more rounded sound experience.
Despite their contrasting top housing materials, both the Ginger Milk and the Ice King Tactile share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressed down. However, the differences in top housing materials will still play a role in the overall sound profile of each switch, especially when releasing a key. The split between top and bottom housing qualities provides a unique blend of characteristics that distinguish each switch's sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and the Ice King Tactile comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Those seeking a sharper and crisper typing experience may lean towards the Ginger Milk with its polycarbonate top housing, while individuals looking for a deeper and fuller sound may prefer the Ice King Tactile with its nylon top housing. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch both fall within the medium-heavy range. The Ginger Milk has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 58 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams while the Ice King Tactile needs 68 grams. This makes the Ice King Tactile slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ginger Milk may be the better option, as the lower actuation force can provide a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Ginger Milk for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those looking for a more satisfying keystroke with a bit more depth may prefer the Ice King Tactile with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a shorter travel distance, providing similar results in terms of responsiveness, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly longer.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch provides a subdued sound, offering a more muted typing experience compared to most switches. Both switches present unique sound characteristics that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is often described as buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky, frictionless feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Additionally, the Ice King Tactile switch may offer a stepped feel, providing a more nuanced tactile feedback compared to other switches. Both switches highlight the importance of a polished finish for reduced friction and improved key travel.
Overall, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk provides a moderate and approachable typing experience, while the Ice King Tactile elevates tactile typing to a refined art form. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile and buttery feel or a subdued sound with a silky, frictionless touch, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the desired typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific typing feel you are looking to achieve.
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