Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh BCP both offer delightful experiences but cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its soft and pastel characteristics, providing a silky smooth and approachable push feel alongside a muted, snappy sound profile that can enhance productivity without being overly distracting. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quiet, pleasant typing experience that still delivers a satisfying response. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switches reimagine the beloved Black Cherry Pie design with custom-molded switches that eliminate disassembly hassles, presenting users with a creamy, viscous, and elastic feel that delivers a bouncy typing experience. Their signature poppy and clacky sound profile can be highly appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback in their typing sessions. While both switches are linear, they provide distinct tactile sensations and sound characteristics that can significantly influence your typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh BCP switches, striking differences emerge, particularly in the top housings. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This stiffness enables a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, which is further enhanced by the translucency of polycarbonate, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications. In contrast, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer composition. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the two switches serve similar purposes, their different top housing materials lead to noticeably distinct sound profiles.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Kailh BCP feature nylon as their material choice. This similarity implies that both switches will exhibit the deeper, fuller sound profile created by the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. The essence of the sound produced when the key bottoms out will resemble one another due to this shared material, leading to a certain degree of auditory consistency when typing on both switches. Consequently, this aspect fosters a cohesive typing experience despite the differing characteristics of their respective top housings.
The interplay between the two layers of housing in each switch significantly influences the overall sound and feel when engaged. In the case of the Ginger Milk, the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top will blend with the softer, deeper tones generated by the nylon bottom. On the other hand, for the Kailh BCP, the combination of the softer nylon top and bottom will lead to a more uniform and cohesive sound profile. Although the top housings diverge significantly in their properties, the use of nylon for both bottom housings rectifies this contrast. As a result, while the Ginger Milk may yield a more vivid auditory experience during key release, both switches will offer a similarly satisfying, rounded bottom-out sound and feel thanks to their nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the Kailh BCP linear switch, there are subtle differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are identical. The Ginger Milk switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Kailh BCP's actuation force of 52 grams. This difference means that the Ginger Milk switch may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch. However, both switches share the same bottom out force at 63.5 grams, providing a consistent tactile feedback when fully pressed down. For those who enjoy a heavier typing experience, both options still cater well with their medium-heavy bottom out forces. Overall, users looking for a lighter typing feel may favor the Jwick Ginger Milk switch, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance in the actuation will lean towards the Kailh BCP.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the BCP measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference may appeal to users based on their preferences for responsiveness versus a more traditional feel. The shorter travel distance of the BCP is likely to provide quicker actuation, making it ideal for gamers seeking fast response times. Meanwhile, the Ginger Milk's longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, if you favor a swift response, the Kailh BCP would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a more pronounced depth in your key presses, the Jwick Ginger Milk would suit you better.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch is characterized by a muted and snappy sound profile, which contributes to a pleasant auditory experience that is neither overpowering nor too subtle. This makes the Ginger Milk suitable for diverse environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The Kailh BCP switch, however, has a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that can be quite engaging and lively, providing a distinct auditory feedback that some typists enjoy. While the exact sound characteristics of the BCP aren’t specified, it's important to remember that sound perception can also vary significantly depending on the keyboard assembly and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch offers a notably silky smooth typing experience, often described as buttery. This smoothness lends itself to an effortlessly uniform keystroke, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch features a creamy and bouncy feel, which brings a unique elastic quality to each keystroke. While both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, the distinct textures—smooth versus bouncy—will cater to different preferences among typists.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch presents a typing experience that is muted and silky, making it approachable for a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the Kailh BCP switch offers a lively auditory experience with its clacky sound and an elastic feel that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference; typists who favor a softer and subtler typing experience may gravitate towards the Ginger Milk, while those who enjoy a more dynamic and responsive feel might find the BCP more to their liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh BCP linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a softer, more muted typing experience with a smooth, buttery feel and a neutral sound profile, the Ginger Milk switch would likely be the ideal option for you. This switch is well-suited for a variety of environments, whether you're typing at home, working in an office, or simply enjoying casual gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic tactile experience with notable elasticity, a poppy and clacky sound, and lively feedback, the Kailh BCP would be a better fit. Its bouncy nature makes it excellent for those who enjoy a more expressive keystroke, especially in a gaming context or when writing. So, assess the typing feel and sound you desire, and let that guide your decision between the soothing profile of the Ginger Milk and the playful nature of the BCP.
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