Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider both comfort and performance. Two notable options in the market are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, both of which are linear switches. The Ginger Milk switches are revered for their soft and pastel aesthetic, which is also reflected in their typing experience. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted and snappy sound profile, these switches provide a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their translucent beauty and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. While they do offer a smooth and polished sensation, users might experience a higher-pitched clacking sound. These switches are categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision about which switch suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the top housing's translucency makes it suitable for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both switches have different sound profiles, they both offer distinct and enjoyable typing experiences.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ginger Milk employs a nylon material. This classic switch housing material brings a deep and fuller sound profile to typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well. Similar to the top housing, this blend generates a pointed and high-pitched sound, adding to the overall clacky typing experience. Though the materials are different, both switches offer a satisfying sound profile that enhances the typing experience.
When it comes to the impact on typing, the qualities of the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's characteristics are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The material of the bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile by providing a noticeable impact when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both housing materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience for both the Ginger Milk and Ink Box Pink switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, some similarities and differences arise. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key responsiveness.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight variation. The Ginger Milk switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Ink Box Pink switch, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Ginger Milk switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires a slightly stronger push to fully press down the keys. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be preferred by users who want a more effortless typing experience or who prioritize longer typing sessions without fatigue.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for extended periods of time may lean towards the Ink Box Pink switch with its slightly lighter bottom out force. Meanwhile, users seeking a more satisfying and substantial typing feel may opt for the Ginger Milk switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, ensuring consistent key responsiveness.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users. However, for gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be preferred. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
The Ginger Milk and Ink Box Pink switches have contrasting qualities when it comes to sound. The Ginger Milk offers a muted and snappy sound profile, producing a neutral sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The choice of sound preference will depend on individual preferences, but both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk and Ink Box Pink switches also differ in their subjective qualities. The Ginger Milk switches provide a silky smooth and approachable push feel, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This buttery feel ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink switches are described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This is achieved through reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a refined and sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Ginger Milk and Ink Box Pink switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Ginger Milk provides a muted and neutral sound with a buttery and approachable feel, while the Ink Box Pink switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the choice between them will depend on personal preferences. If you prefer a softer sound and a smooth, seamless feel, the Ginger Milk switches would be ideal. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharper, crisper sound and a refined, polished feel, the Ink Box Pink switches would be a great choice. Ultimately, considering the available information, you can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a muted, snappy sound profile, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a silky smooth and approachable push feel, providing a buttery typing experience. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, they provide a satisfying amount of resistance without feeling too heavy. The Ginger Milk switches are also known for their soft and pastel appearance, adding a touch of aesthetics to your mechanical keyboard.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and enjoy a high-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a better option for you. These translucent switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with a bottom out force of 60 grams which falls into the medium range. The Ink Box Pink switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, giving your keyboard a vibrant and percussive sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches comes down to personal preference. Consider factors such as the desired typing feel, sound profile, and even the visual aesthetics of the switches. Whether you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience or a high-pitched clack sound, both switches offer their own unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Happy typing!
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