Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Zuoce Lavender both present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk, a linear switch, is praised for its soft and pastel appearance, reflecting the smooth and approachable push feel it offers. On the other hand, the Lavender switch, also a linear switch, stands out for its exceptional smoothness enhanced by the proprietary Ly blend, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound profile. While the Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', the Lavender is classified as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky'. Both switches have their own merits, making them suitable for various typing 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Zuoce Lavender switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Lavender's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This means that the typing experience on the Ginger Milk would result in a more distinct and resonant sound compared to the Lavender, which offers a softer and more subdued typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Ginger Milk's nylon and the Lavender's POM housings contribute to a deeper sound profile. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Ginger Milk creates a fuller and rounder sound, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Lavender also provides a deep sound but is relatively more muted. This means that the typing experience on the Ginger Milk would offer a richer and more satisfying sound compared to the Lavender, which produces a quieter and more subtle typing sound.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Ginger Milk and Lavender switches differ, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a unique combination of sound qualities when typing on these switches. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing adds clarity and brightness to the keypress, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound. In comparison, the Lavender's POM top housing brings a deeper and more muted sound upon pressing a key, complemented by the POM bottom housing for a consistent typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is clear that there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams, making it slightly heavier. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk also has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Lavender's 53 grams, indicating that it requires more pressure to fully press down. This makes the Ginger Milk a more medium-heavy option, while the Lavender is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lavender would be the better choice, as it requires less force to activate and fully press down. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk would be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lavender. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Ginger Milk may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shallower feel, the Lavender could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it affects your typing 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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it versatile for different usage scenarios. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch produces a distinct clacky sound when pressed, offering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches have unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Ginger Milk being more neutral and the Lavender being more dynamic and attention-grabbing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ginger Milk linear switch offers a buttery typing experience characterized by its smooth and fluid keystrokes. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing with the Lavender switch effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the Ginger Milk offering a buttery feel and the Lavender offering an easy-to-press sensation.
Overall, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a buttery typing feel, making it a versatile option for various users. On the other hand, the Lavender switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press nature, offering a distinct and satisfying typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing habits, you can choose between these two switches to achieve a tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a soft and pastel typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and exceptional smoothness with a crisp and clacky sound signature, then the Lavender switch would be more suitable. Consider how these factors align with your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.