Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often weigh the merits of various options to find the perfect fit for their typing style and preferences. The Jwick Ginger Milk switch presents a delightful choice for those who appreciate a linear switch with a soft, pastel aesthetic. Its smooth push feel and muted, snappy sound profile create a typing experience that is both approachable and enjoyable, making it ideal for users who value a gentle yet responsive touch. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE offers a unique experience as a hall effect switch, delivering a clean, low sound that stands out among traditional switches. Designed to be compatible with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE appeals to gamers and typists alike who seek precision and a notable difference in their keystrokes. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—one prioritizing a buttery smooth feel and the other focusing on sound clarity and innovative technology—it's essential to consider what you value most in your keyboard experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and Neo Lavender HE switches showcase contrasting housing materials in their top components, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Ginger Milk's top housing is made of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and translucence, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly pronounced when RGB lighting is employed, as the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and thus produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The sound is rounded and duller, offering a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Ginger Milk. Consequently, those looking for an exaggerated brightness in sound may prefer the Ginger Milk, while the Lavender HE appeals to those seeking warmth and roundness.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Ginger Milk and Lavender HE share the same material—nylon. This alignment in material choice means they share a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback experienced when pressing the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, provides a fuller, deeper sound profile regardless of whether it is in the Jwick Ginger Milk or the Neo Lavender HE. The bottom housing of each switch absorbs more sound, creating a rounder feel that is consistent across both models. Thus, while the top housing materials create distinct sound characteristics, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a similar underlying acoustic experience between the two switches when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the Jwick Ginger Milk and Neo Lavender HE leads to a unique auditory experience that reflects their respective designs. While the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top offers sharper and more resonant sounds, the Lavender HE’s nylon top brings warmth and depth. However, the shared nylon bottoms ensure that both switches deliver a consistent foundational sound profile. Users can expect a pronounced difference in response and sound from the upper parts of the switches, while still enjoying a satisfying and similar tactile response when it comes to the bottom-out feel. This interplay of materials highlights the thoughtful engineering behind each switch, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, which cater to varying user preferences. The Ginger Milk requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Lavender HE boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier on the fingers for longer typing sessions, ideal for users who favor a lighter feel. While the Ginger Milk offers a firmer push, the Lavender HE stands out for its ease of keystrokes. Therefore, users who appreciate a heavier switch for a tactile experience might lean towards the Ginger Milk, while those prioritizing comfort over extended periods would likely prefer the lighter Lavender HE.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Ginger Milk switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Lavender HE offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk provides a shorter actuation distance compared to the Lavender HE. For users who prioritize responsiveness, especially gamers who benefit from quicker key presses, the shorter travel distance of the Ginger Milk may be more appealing. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might find the Lavender HE's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key 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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch produces a muted, snappy audio profile that is characterized as neutral. This means that its sound output is moderate and versatile enough to satisfy various use cases, making it suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is noted for its clean, low sound. While this differs from the Ginger Milk's snappier tone, both switches promise a pleasant auditory experience, although the specific implementation can be influenced by the keyboard platform and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its buttery smoothness, offering a soft and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. This contributes to a typing sensation that many users find enjoyable, allowing for extended typing sessions without discomfort. The Lavender HE's feel qualities, unfortunately, are not detailed in the available information, so a direct comparison on this front isn't possible. However, the general typing experience can still be tailored to individual preferences depending on the specifics of the keyboard design and any additional modifications.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Neo Lavender HE switches provide unique experiences, with the former favoring a muted, neutral sound and a buttery typing feel, while the latter offers a clean sound profile that sets it apart. Choosing between these two switches may ultimately boil down to personal preference regarding auditory and tactile sensations. While the Ginger Milk provides an enjoyable, plush experience, the Lavender HE's hallmark is its unique sound, which may have its own dedicated appeal. If a user's typing style and workspace influence sound preferences, selecting either switch can yield satisfying results, albeit with different strengths that might cater to specific needs and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, your typing style and use case will play significant roles in your choice. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel and enjoy a typing experience that combines buttery smoothness with a muted, yet snappy sound, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its 63.5-gram bottom out force provides a solid and satisfying feedback, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where a bit more resistance may enhance your control and precision. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and are drawn to the clean, low sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE, you’ll appreciate its 50-gram actuation force, which allows for quicker keystrokes with less fatigue, making it great for fast-paced gaming or if you're someone who prefers a delicate typing experience. The compatibility of the Lavender HE with Wooting keyboards also adds versatility if you are inclined towards that platform. Ultimately, your comfort, preferences for sound and feel, and intended usage will guide you in selecting the switch that best complements your keyboard experience.