Jwick Ginger Milk vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the TKC Kiwi provide users with distinct typing experiences. The Ginger Milk switches are best known for their soft and pastel appearance, which mirrors the smooth and approachable push feel they offer. Not only do these linear switches provide a silky typing experience, but they also produce a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are tactile and designed to enhance typing experiences with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the TKC Kiwi differ in their housing materials, with the Ginger Milk featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Kiwi has a UHWMPE top housing and a UHWMPE bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who enjoy a higher-pitched sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for an enhanced RGB lighting experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a very bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing. It is a newer material for switch housings, and its unique properties may appeal to users seeking a distinct auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ginger Milk's nylon material brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This characteristic may be appealing to individuals who prefer a more muted sound while typing. As for the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing, its bright sound signature complements the UHWMPE top housing. Users can expect resonant clacks and an overall vibrant auditory experience when using switches with this material. Both housing materials, although different, aim to enhance the sound profiles of their respective switches.
When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent. With the Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing, users will feel a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The absorption properties of nylon create a denser and more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, pressing down on the Kiwi, with its UHWMPE bottom housing, should deliver a similar impact, resulting in a resonant and tactile feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound produced is influenced more by the top housing material. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk and the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi will provide similar results in terms of the sound experienced when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are slight differences between the two. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, also classifying it as medium-heavy. This means that both switches provide a similar level of resistance when typing, ensuring a satisfying feedback for users. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiwi switch may be the better option due to its slightly lower actuation force. Conversely, the Ginger Milk switch may appeal to individuals who value a stronger push feel during typing. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy feel, but with slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Ginger Milk falls on the shallow end at 3.7mm, while the Kiwi is closer to the more standard 4mm. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, such as among gamers who desire faster response times, the Ginger Milk's shorter travel distance may be preferred. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Kiwi for a more satisfying keystroke depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for either a more responsive or a deeper keystroke experience.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a muted and snappy sound profile. This neutral switch has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It is a versatile switch that can be used in various settings, whether at home or at work. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Similar to the Ginger Milk, the Kiwi is also described as a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch provides a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels seamless, effortless, and uniform. In contrast, the TKC Kiwi switch offers a stepped feel, which means it has two stages of tactility. While not as pronounced as hypertactile switches, stepped switches have a mild feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Kiwi is also described as accented, which means it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, catering to different preferences.
Taking all the available information into account, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch and the TKC Kiwi switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ginger Milk switch provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. It offers a buttery typing experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch enhances the typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and has a stepped feel with accented tactility, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience out of the box. While these switches differ in terms of sound and feel, they both offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and the Kiwi will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a smooth and approachable linear switch with a soft and pastel aesthetic, the Jwick Ginger Milk would be a great choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and provide a silky smooth typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and a variety of tactile options, including a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between the Ginger Milk and the Kiwi depends on your personal preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience you're looking for.
Mentioned in this article
