Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Box Black. The Ginger Milk switches are best known for their soft and pastel nature, which is reflected in the typing experience they offer. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, using these switches is a delight. Additionally, they provide a muted, snappy sound profile, further enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switches are renowned for their incredible smoothness and creaminess. When using these switches, the sound signature is reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, they offer a distinct typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Box Black have different housing materials in their top and bottom housings. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, without being overly sharp. Both materials provide unique sound profiles, with the Ginger Milk emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the Ink Box Black offers a satisfying clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ginger Milk employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black combines its proprietary INK blend with the bottom housing, contributing to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Both switches provide a different tone due to the variation in bottom housing material, with the Ginger Milk emphasizing depth and fullness, while the Ink Box Black offers a thin and higher-pitched sound.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Ginger Milk and the Ink Box Black, each housing material brings its unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Ginger Milk contributes to a deeper and fuller sensation. Conversely, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black maintains its pointed and relatively high-pitched clackiness. On the other hand, the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk accentuates a sharp and crisp sound, while the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a satisfying, yet not overly sharp, clacky sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Ginger Milk has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's 60 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk will actuate with a lighter touch, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience or gaming sessions that require quick keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk is heavier with 63.5 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's 70 grams. This suggests that the Ginger Milk provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, with a firmer feel when fully pressing the keys. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-heavy range, providing users with a decent amount of resistance. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch depends on personal preference and the intended use. Those who prefer longevity and extended typing periods may opt for the Ginger Milk's lighter actuation force, while those who desire a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Ink Box Black's heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, these switches offer variations in force that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. This means that they provide a faster response time, making them popular among gamers who value quick reactions. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black with its slightly shorter travel distance would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press and a slightly deeper feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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
In terms of sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a muted and snappy sound profile. It is best described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for all types of users and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, or if you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a clacky sound when pressed. It produces a sharp and crisp sound, which can be described as bright and percussive. Additionally, the Ink Box Black switch is also considered high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a switch with a rich and bassy sound profile, the Ink Box Black may be a suitable choice.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch provides a silky smooth and approachable typing experience. It is best described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Box Black switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a softer and more pastel aesthetic, which is representative of the typing experience it provides. It offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel, with a muted and snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a smooth and creamy feel, producing a clacky and high-pitched sound. Both switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. Therefore, if you enjoy a softer typing experience with a neutral sound, the Ginger Milk is a suitable choice. If you prefer a smoother typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black is a great option. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Box Black are medium-heavy linear switches that offer different typing experiences. If you prefer a soft and pastel switch with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk is a great choice. It provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel, making it suitable for all types of users and environments. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black is the way to go. It offers a silky typing experience with minimal resistance and a polished finish for a sleek feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. So, consider your typing style, environment, and desired sound signature to choose the switch that suits you best.
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