Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing and gaming needs, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Jelly both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft pastel aesthetic, which mirrors the buttery-smooth typing experience they provide. Users can expect a muted and snappy sound profile that enhances the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches deliver a low-pitched, deep thocky sound, which many enthusiasts find satisfying. These switches stand out not only for their auditory appeal but also for their lightweight design, requiring only a 42g actuation force, making them effortless to press. While both switches fall under the linear category, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer a more muted, smooth experience with the Ginger Milk or a rich, thocky resonance with the Jelly. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Jelly switches, the differences are particularly notable in the top housing. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer structure. This stiffness results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for showcasing RGB lighting. In stark contrast, the HMX Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing known for its softer nature. This material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and producing a duller, rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while the Ginger Milk promotes a vibrant response with attention to clarity and brightness, the Jelly leans towards a more muted and rounded sound.
An intriguing aspect of both switches lies in their bottom housing materials, which are identical; both employ nylon for this component. This similarity means that when typing on switches from either model, users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile governed by the nylon's softer characteristics. As nylon absorbs sound, it contributes to a more subdued, consonant experience at the key's bottom-out point, regardless of whether the user is interacting with the Ginger Milk or Jelly switches. Thus, while the top housings produce contrasting sound signatures, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent acoustic foundation across both models.
Ultimately, the distinctive qualities of the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing and the Jelly's nylon top housing ensure varied auditory experiences when utilizing these switches. For users seeking sharp clarity in sound and vibrant RGB effects, the Ginger Milk stands as a more fitting choice. Conversely, those who prefer a warm, rounded typing sound will favor the Jelly. However, both switches do share a harmonic resonance thanks to their common nylon bottom housing, which helps unite their performances and ensure that, regardless of top housing material, users can still appreciate a solid and impactful typing experience with a deeper bottom-out sound.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Jelly offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that users preferring a gentler touch and a longer typing experience may gravitate towards the Jelly switch, whereas those desiring a more substantial typing feedback might favor the Ginger Milk. Overall, the Jelly is the lighter option, while the Ginger Milk is the heavier choice, which could influence a user's decision based on their typing preferences or gaming habits.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Ginger Milk measures at 3.7 mm, whereas the Jelly has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means the Ginger Milk switch offers a shorter actuation compared to the Jelly, making it a more suitable option for gamers or users seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and robust typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus the comfort of travel depth.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 considering the sound profiles of the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Jelly linear switches, there are distinct differences. The Ginger Milk switch offers a muted, snappy sound that is smooth and neutral, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're typing at home or in a professional setting. This quality allows for quiet yet enjoyable typing sessions without being overly disruptive to those around you. In contrast, the HMX Jelly presents a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which produces a more pronounced auditory feedback. This thocky sound is typically more satisfying to enthusiasts who appreciate a solid auditory response, making them feel more connected to their keystrokes.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Ginger Milk excels with its buttery smoothness. It provides a seamless, fluid typing experience that many users find appealing, creating an effortless keystroke that contributes to a more comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, while the specific feel characteristics of the Jelly are not detailed, one can infer that its super smooth action and lightweight design with a 42g actuation force allows it to maintain a level of comfort during long typing sessions.
In summary, the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Jelly linear switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Ginger Milk offers a muted yet smooth typing experience suitable for various environments, while the Jelly provides a deeper sound profile accompanied by excellent factory lube for a smooth experience. Both options promise enjoyable results, but your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound quality or a genuinely buttery feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Jelly linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a more tactile experience and don’t mind a bit of weight, the Ginger Milk switch, with its medium-heavy 63.5 grams bottom out force, offers a silky smooth and buttery feel that is perfect for those who desire a muted yet snappy sound profile. This makes it well-suited for both home and work environments, accommodating beginners and experienced typists alike who appreciate a quiet and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a softer actuation, the HMX Jelly switch might be the right choice for you. With its remarkably light 48 grams bottom out force, this switch delivers a super smooth typing experience enhanced by its deep, thocky sound signature. The Jelly switch excels for users who engage in rapid typing or gaming, as its lightweight nature allows for quicker keystrokes without straining your fingers. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you gravitate towards the rich, buttery feel of the Ginger Milk or the lightweight, thocky response of the Jelly.