Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Keygeek Keylin stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Ginger Milk is celebrated for its soft, pastel aesthetic, translating into a typing experience that embodies a silky smooth push feel accompanied by a muted yet snappy sound profile. This switch strikes a balance that is both neutral and buttery, making it an excellent choice for those who value a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience without sound distractions. In contrast, the Keylin, crafted using new molds from Keygeek, is designed to deliver a premium typing experience that emphasizes rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, appealing to users who appreciate the subtle nuances of sound and tactile feedback. While both switches share the linear category, their distinctive characteristics cater to different preferences when it comes to feel and auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Keygeek Keylin exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, which fundamentally affects their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ginger Milk employs a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile with greater resonance. It is particularly advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting due to its clarity, enhancing both the visual and acoustic experience. In contrast, the Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing that leans towards a softer, more absorbent material. Consequently, this choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is notably rounder and less pronounced than that of the Ginger Milk. Thus, while both switches have their own merits, they create distinctly different auditory experiences thanks to the disparate properties of their top housing materials.
Looking towards the bottom housing, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Keygeek Keylin share a commonality in their use of nylon material. This results in an identical impact on the sound profile, as nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound and create a more muted auditory experience. In both switches, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience by adding depth and fullness to the key presses. Since both materials deliver a consistent performance in terms of sound absorption and profiling, typists can expect a similar bottom-out feel and sound regardless of the differences present in the top housing.
Ultimately, the distinct combination of housing materials in both switches leads to a nuanced typing experience that blends their individual characteristics. By utilizing polycarbonate for the Ginger Milk's top housing, it achieves clarity and brightness in sound, while the nylon bottom provides a rounded acoustic response. Conversely, the Keylin’s nylon top housing results in a softer, more subdued sound when combined with its nylon bottom. The differing top housings ensure that while they share the same fuller bottom sound quality, the overall typing experience will vary based on user preference for brightness versus depth in sound. Thus, selecting between the two depends significantly on the typist's desired auditory feedback and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Keylin switch is easier to press, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as those engaged in prolonged work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Ginger Milk switch may appeal to individuals who favor a more substantial typing feel, as the increased resistance could lend a satisfying tactile experience. Overall, the Ginger Milk is the heavier option, while the Keylin is the lighter one, offering distinct tactile experiences based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ginger Milk switch the longer of the two options, offering a bit more depth with each keystroke compared to the Keylin switch. For users who favor a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Keylin may be more desirable, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who prefer the sensation of a deeper press may opt for the Ginger Milk switch to enjoy a more substantial feedback. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the distinct measurement highlights a subtle difference that could influence a user's typing experience based on personal preference for depth or responsiveness.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 linear switch offers a muted, snappy sound profile that leans towards neutrality. This means that the switch has a moderate sound output, making it approachable for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are typing at home or in a work environment. Unfortunately, while the Keylin linear switch is praised for its rich acoustics, a definitive sound description has not been provided. However, considering the premium typing experience it delivers, it can be inferred that the Keylin may offer a pleasing acoustic quality as well.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch has been characterized as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This softness contributes to a sense of effortless typing, making it comfortable for long periods of use. There is no specific description available for the Keylin linear switch’s feel; thus, it’s difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, the emphasis on exceptional smoothness in its design suggests that it may also deliver a pleasant typing sensation, albeit in a different texture or feedback profile.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Keygeek Keylin linear switches cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience, with the Ginger Milk offering a muted sound and buttery feel. While the Keylin enhances the experience with its rich acoustics and premium design, the lack of detailed sound and feel descriptions makes it challenging to draw precise distinctions. Ultimately, both switches will likely deliver a similarly satisfying typing experience, appealing to those who value smoothness and comfort in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a bit of resistance while typing and prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams that provides a tactile, buttery feel, then the Ginger Milk is likely your best bet. Its soft and pastel typing experience, complemented by a muted yet snappy sound profile, makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth and reputable response while still being suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. Conversely, if you lean toward a lighter touch and value an exceptionally smooth, premium typing experience with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, the Keylin switch might be ideal for you. It’s particularly well-suited for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue, thanks to its effortless keystroke experience. Additionally, if rich acoustics are a priority for you, the Keylin will not disappoint. Overall, consider what aspects—such as force, sound profile, and feel—are most important to your typing experience as you make your choice between these two excellent switches.
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