Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the Durock Koala tactile switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Ginger Milk switch is soft and pastel, providing a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch offers a stepped tactility with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, providing a perfect balance of tactile feedback without being overly loud. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Koala feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. This material is ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The use of polycarbonate in both switches provides a consistent sound experience and aesthetic appeal for users who prefer a clear housing.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and the Koala utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This material choice ensures that typing on these switches results in a satisfying sound experience that is distinct from the top housing's impact on sound characteristics.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Koala differ between the top and bottom, they both provide a balanced sound experience for users. The polycarbonate top housing ensures a sharp and clear sound profile, particularly when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a unique combination of materials that cater to different sound preferences, making them versatile options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Ginger Milk requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the unknown actuation force of the Koala. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Koala is slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Ginger Milk's 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ginger Milk may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Koala for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, with the Ginger Milk being lighter in actuation force and the Koala being heavier in bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Ginger Milk has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Ginger Milk may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Koala may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Both switches fall within the range of comfortable travel distances for most users, providing a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 neutral profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and applications. In comparison, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that may be preferred by those looking for a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer moderate actuation force requirements, ensuring a balanced sound profile that is not too loud or distracting.
As for feel, the Ginger Milk switch is known for its buttery smoothness, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Koala switch offers a polished finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Additionally, the Koala switch's stepped tactility offers a medium level of feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, giving users a tactile typing experience without excessive stiffness.
Considering the available information, users can expect the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to provide a soft and pastel typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a pronounced bump with a bit of resonance and a quieter, low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a smooth typing feel, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the Ginger Milk and Koala switches will depend on whether you prefer a linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile or a tactile typing experience with a polished finish and low-pitched sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile bump with a low-pitched, accented sound profile, the Koala could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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