Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Red. At first glance, these switches may seem quite similar as they both fall under the linear switch category. However, upon closer examination, they possess distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk switches are best known for their soft and pastel aesthetic, which extends to the typing experience they offer. Users can expect a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted yet snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Reds stand out with their lower actuation force, making them an ideal choice for those with a lighter typing style. Typing on the Ink Reds feels satisfyingly smooth, with a crispy and clacky sound profile that adds a touch of flair while remaining effortless to use. These general pointers can help guide your decision-making process. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of these switches to determine the best fit for your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Ink Red switches have different materials for their top housings. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, Gateron's INK blend top housing in the Ink Red produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. While they differ in the specific sound qualities, both top housings enhance the auditory feedback of the switches.

In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials also differ between the Ginger Milk and the Ink Red switches. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, allowing for better visibility of RGB lighting. This makes it a suitable option for users who prioritize customizable lighting effects. In contrast, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing does not offer the same level of transparency. Therefore, those looking for a switch design that supports RGB lighting might prefer the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing.

When it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches have contrasting materials. The Ginger Milk utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Ink Red features Gateron's proprietary INK blend. The nylon bottom housing in the Ginger Milk contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Red complements the top housing's sound profile with a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This adds to the overall clacky typing experience. The different bottom housing materials provide variety in the acoustic feedback of the switches.

In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gateron Ink Red switches offer distinct housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles and aesthetics. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, along with the advantage of being translucent for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Contrarily, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing delivers a pointed and high-pitched sound described as clacky. The switches also differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Ginger Milk employing nylon for a deeper sound, while the Ink Red utilizes INK blend to complement the top housing's qualities. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique auditory experiences to cater to different user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Ink Red's 45 grams. Both switches have a medium actuation force, but the Ginger Milk provides a slightly stronger push feel.

In terms of bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams, while the Ink Red requires 60 grams. Although the difference is small, the Ginger Milk is technically heavier in this aspect. Both switches have a medium-bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience without being too light or too heavy.

Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Ink Red more suitable as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and robust typing experience may lean towards the Ginger Milk, which has slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

In summary, while the Ginger Milk linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Ink Red, both switches fall within the medium range. The Ginger Milk offers a stronger push feel, while the Ink Red provides a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired feel during use.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ginger Milk being slightly shallower and the Ink Red being more standard. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Ginger Milk with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, for some individuals, shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more satisfying key press with more depth, then the Ink Red with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable. It is important to consider your personal preferences and typing/gaming style in order to make the best choice for your needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate in both volume and pitch. This makes it suitable for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch also offers a neutral sound profile, but with the added characteristic of being chirpy. This unique acoustic signature sets the Ink Reds apart, providing a slight squeak during typing. However, it should be noted that the actual sound of the switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is described as silky. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Ink Reds are also categorized as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Lastly, the Ink Reds can also be described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and enhances the smoothness of key travel.

Overall, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer positive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They provide moderate sound profiles, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. In terms of feel, they both offer smooth and effortless typing experiences, with the Ginger Milk being described as buttery and the Ink Red as silky and polished. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing style and appreciate a more gentle and refined feel. While they may have their own unique qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both switches.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have their unique characteristics that make them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing style and enjoy a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Ink Red is the switch for you. With a lower actuation force of 60 grams, it offers satisfyingly smooth typing and is effortless to type on. Both switches have a moderate sound profile, making them versatile options for beginners and advanced users alike. Additionally, the Ginger Milk provides a buttery typing experience, ensuring a seamless and uniform sensation, while the Ink Red offers a silky smooth feel with reduced resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences for weight, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more