Jwick Ginger Milk vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Laurel, two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and desirable features for avid typists. The Ginger Milk is best known for its soft and pastel aesthetics, reflecting the typing experience it provides. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, these switches offer a delightful and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel, with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. It offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that make them appealing, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their impact on the sound profile. The Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. This material is relatively stiffer, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Laurel features a POM top housing, which produces a more muted sound with deeper tones. The POM material gives the Laurel a unique sound profile that is distinctively different from the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ginger Milk utilizes a nylon material, while the Laurel employs POM. Both materials contribute to the sound profile in their own ways. The nylon bottom housing of the Ginger Milk creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer nature. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel adds to the unique sound experience of the switch, with a deeper and more muted sound profile.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Ginger Milk and the Laurel, they both provide distinct sound characteristics. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing brings out a sharper, higher-pitched sound with clearer resonance. In contrast, the Laurel's POM top housing creates a more unique sound experience with deeper and more muted tones. However, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, each with its own appeal and sound signature. Whether you prefer the crispness of the Ginger Milk or the deeper tones of the Laurel, both switches deliver high-quality sound and performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their weight. The Ginger Milk requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, while the Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Additionally, the Ginger Milk has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Laurel's 50 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Laurel offers a lighter touch.
Considering weight in the decision-making process is essential for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch value the ability to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience would opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Ginger Milk would cater to their preference as it requires a higher actuation force and has a higher bottom out force.
Although the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the Ginger Milk and the Laurel, it is important to note that achieving similar results can still be possible. By selecting the Ginger Milk with its medium-heavy weight, users can experience a satisfying typing experience similar to the Laurel's lighter touch, albeit with a slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and the Laurel depends on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier switch, taking into account the duration and purpose of their typing activities.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, but the Ginger Milk offers a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Laurel. This may provide a more responsive experience for gamers who prefer quicker response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Laurel to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the slighter longer travel distance of the Ginger Milk for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and desired level of 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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 Ginger Milk switch offers a muted, snappy sound profile. This means that the typing experience with these switches will provide a pleasant and satisfying sound, without being overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Laurel switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound. This means that the sound of each keystroke will have a mellow and bass-heavy tone, creating a soothing and relaxed auditory experience. Depending on the other components of your keyboard, such as the board itself and the keycaps used, the sound may vary slightly. However, overall, the Ginger Milk switch offers a neutral and subdued sound, while the Laurel switch provides a low-pitched and calming tone.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel. This means that when typing on these switches, you will experience a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. The typing experience will feel fluid and consistent, providing a pleasant and enjoyable feel under your fingers. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy. This means that the switch is highly responsive, providing a lively and energetic feel while typing. The snappy nature of the Laurel switch is attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, which enhances the typing experience and adds an extra level of tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a buttery smooth feel or a snappy and responsive typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities to cater to different preferences.
Considering the available information, the Ginger Milk and Laurel switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk switch provides a muted and snappy sound profile, offering a pleasant and satisfying auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Laurel switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound, creating a calming and mellow tone while typing. The Laurel switch also offers a snappy feel, with added responsiveness and tactile feedback due to its longer or dual-staged springs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Ginger Milk offering a softer and more subtle experience, while the Laurel provides a slightly more lively and relaxed typing feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a soft, pastel aesthetic, the Ginger Milk may be the switch for you. It offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel, paired with a muted, snappy sound profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a medium-light switch, the Laurel could be the better choice. It strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. The Laurel also offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile.
Considering sound, the Ginger Milk is neutral, making it suitable for most purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The Laurel, on the other hand, has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk offers a buttery typing experience with its smooth and fluid keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless sensation. In contrast, the Laurel is snappy, thanks to its super responsive nature, which makes the typing experience feel more alive.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and the Laurel depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider what factors are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
