Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX KD200 offer two distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Ginger Milk switches are renowned for their soft, pastel-like characteristics, providing a silky smooth feel with a muted, snappy sound profile that makes typing feel both enjoyable and approachable. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a tactile yet unobtrusive typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivering a more pronounced auditory feedback that can energize your typing sessions. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, the Ginger Milk provides a more subdued typing experience, whereas the KD200 offers a lively and more dynamic sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

HMX KD200 Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX KD200 exhibit notable differences in their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it well-suited for users seeking a clear auditory feedback from their keyboards. This characteristic is heightened when RGB lighting is utilized, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal. Contrarily, the KD200 employs a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer texture. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate. As a result, the KD200 provides a rounder and more muffled auditory response, appealing to users who prefer a muted typing experience.

However, both the Ginger Milk and the KD200 share a common material for their bottom housings: nylon. This correlation indicates that regardless of the distinctions present in their top housings, the bottom housing will significantly influence the typing feel and the bottom-out sound both switches produce. Since both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, they will provide a consistent experience in terms of the deeper, rounder sound profile attributed to nylon. The absorption properties of nylon will work to mitigate excess noise during key presses, allowing for a quieter, yet substantial feedback that can be appreciated by users looking for a less intrusive auditory experience.

In conclusion, while the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX KD200 differ in their top housing materials—offering either a sharper (polycarbonate) or a fuller (nylon) sound profile—the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a degree of consistency in typing feel and sound dampening. Thus, while users may notice distinct differences in the overall acoustics when typing on each switch due to their top housings, they will ultimately achieve a similar tactile experience courtesy of the nylon bottoms, which contribute to the weightiness and rounded sound that typifies typing on nylon switch housings.

Weight

When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the HMX KD200 linear switch, we find key differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the KD200 is lighter, with an actuation force of only 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel may be preferred by users who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to press the keys. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier Ginger Milk switch more satisfying, as it provides a firmer push. Overall, the Ginger Milk is the heavier switch in both actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the KD200 offers a softer, lighter feel, catering to different user preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences. The Ginger Milk switch boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KD200 features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the KD200 the more responsive choice for those who appreciate quicker keystrokes, as it aligns with the trend of gamers favoring shorter travel distances for faster reaction times. Conversely, the Ginger Milk, with its greater travel depth, may be appealing to users who prefer a more tactile feel and a less abrupt keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should consider whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial key press experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Ginger Milk linear switch offers a muted and snappy sound profile, which tends to resonate well in various environments, making it suitable for both home and office use. This neutral sound quality provides a balanced auditory experience that doesn't overwhelm the user and ensures versatility regardless of typing speed or intent. In contrast, the HMX KD200 switch stands out as the clackiest option within the HMX Film switch family, likely producing a more pronounced and assertive sound during key presses. This distinctive clacky nature might appeal to those who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback while typing, but it also suggests a loudness that may not be ideal for quieter settings.

In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk excels with its buttery smooth keystroke, offering a silky, fluid typing experience that feels effortless. This enhances the overall comfort during extended typing sessions, providing a tactile satisfaction that users often seek. The KD200, while specific details about its feel are lacking, suggests a different approach given its acoustically pronounced characteristics, possibly offering a firmer or more tactile sensation that might cater to users looking for a more dynamic typing experience.

To sum up, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX KD200 linear switches possess distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk provides a softer, muted experience with a buttery feel that is universally appealing, while the KD200 delivers a clackier auditory feedback that caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter, smooth typing experience or a louder, more engaging feedback when typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch should be guided by your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a typing experience that feels soft and creamy, with a bit more resistance—thanks to the medium-heavy 63.5 grams bottom-out force of the Ginger Milk—then this switch is an excellent choice. Its buttery feel and neutral sound profile make it suitable for a variety of environments, from quiet offices to at-home setups, and it's a great option whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist looking for comfort. On the other hand, if you’re leaning towards something lighter and enjoy the distinct, clacky sound typical of a more audibly pronounced switch, the HMX KD200—with its 50 grams bottom-out force—may be more aligned with your needs. Its sound signature, being the clackiest in its family, is ideal if you thrive in a more expressive typing atmosphere and appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, your selection depends on whether you prioritize a smoother, muted experience with the Ginger Milk or a lively, responsive feel with the KD200.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more