Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, you’ll find yourself faced with two distinct options. The Ginger Milk is praised for its soft and pastel appearance, indicative of the smooth typing experience it offers. The push feel is described as silky and approachable, with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. Equipped with two-stage springs, these switches deliver a strong return and consistent feel. While the Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', the Jupiter Banana falls into the categories of 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its unique traits and benefits, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Jupiter Banana share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent sound and aesthetic experience when using either switch with polycarbonate top housing.
However, the key point of differentiation between the Ginger Milk and the Jupiter Banana lies in their nylon bottom housing. The Ginger Milk utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience. This means that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience with either switch due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
In terms of functionality, the split between the housing materials in the Ginger Milk and Jupiter Banana may impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing, influencing the sound when releasing a key, will be more noticeable when letting go. This division of characteristics between the top and bottom housing materials adds depth to the typing experience of both switches, providing users with a unique and dynamic feel with each keystroke.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Ginger Milk is the lighter of the two, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Jupiter Banana is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Jupiter Banana offers a firmer push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer similar results in terms of weight, the minor differences in force may cater to different preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ginger Milk. The Ginger Milk falls closer to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Jupiter Banana offers a slightly shallower press at 3.4 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Jupiter Banana with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Ginger Milk. Both switches offer slightly different user experiences due to their distinct travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preference for responsiveness or depth in their switches.
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 Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a muted, snappy sound profile that is neutral, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments. Typing on these switches provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel, giving a buttery and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound when pressed, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. With enhanced two-stage springs, these switches ensure a strong return and consistent feel, providing a polished and creamy typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Ginger Milk linear switch and the Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the neutral and buttery typing sensation of the Ginger Milk or the high-pitched and resonant sound profile of the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver similar results in terms of typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and use case. If you prefer a softer, pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and a muted sound profile, the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-precision mold with a strong return and consistent feel, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Jupiter Banana may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
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