Jwick Ginger Milk vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Lightning. The Ginger Milk switches are known for their soft and pastel appearance, which mirrors the typing experience they offer. With a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, these switches provide a pleasant and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning switches from KTT are all about speed. These switches are designed for those crucial moments where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat. Offering a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switches deliver a quick and responsive typing experience. However, to truly determine the best switch for you, let's delve deeper into the specifics beyond these generalities.
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
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Lightning both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice provides several similarities between the two switches. Firstly, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the plastic's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the transparent nature of polycarbonate, making them ideal for users who plan to use RGB lighting. However, while the top housing material may have similar effects on the sound profile, it is important to note that the actual design and construction of the switches may differ, leading to variations in the overall sound experience.
While both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, they diverge when it comes to the material used for the bottom housing. The Ginger Milk incorporates nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Lightning also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, exhibiting similar sound characteristics. Both switches provide a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, offering a distinct sound profile that may be preferred by different individuals.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings, it is clear that the Ginger Milk and the Lightning will differ in terms of how the qualities of each housing material contribute to the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing is more influential in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches will significantly impact the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches will contribute to the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound produced when a key is released. Overall, while the top and bottom housings may differ in material, they work together to create an individualized typing experience in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces differ, resulting in different typing experiences. The Ginger Milk has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lightning's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches offer a satisfying push feel, with the Ginger Milk having a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Lightning requires 50 grams of force for bottoming out. This makes the Ginger Milk switch slightly heavier overall. If you prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use, the Lightning switch may be more suitable. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Ginger Milk switch would be a better choice.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ginger Milk offers a slightly longer distance compared to the Lightning. The Ginger Milk falls on the shorter end of the spectrum with its 3.7 mm distance, while the Lightning is even shorter at 3 mm. Both switches deviate from the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers typically prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, meaning that the Lightning switch may be more appealing to them. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial pressing experience may find the Ginger Milk switch more satisfying. It ultimately depends on individual preferences and the 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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 has a muted, snappy sound profile. This means that when you press the switch, you can expect a quieter and less pronounced sound. It is a neutral switch, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy. This means that when you type on these switches, you will experience a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound. If you prefer a louder and more vibrant sound, the Lightning switch would be more suitable for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel. Its descriptor "buttery" implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This suggests that the switch has a uniform and consistent feel when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as subtle and polished. A subtle switch has a gentle resistance without being overly feather-light, making it comfortable for typing. It also offers a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. The polished descriptor indicates that the Lightning switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities suggest that the Lightning switch provides a comfortable and satisfying typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Jwick Ginger Milk and KTT Lightning switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk switch provides a muted and snappy sound with a silky smooth and approachable push feel. On the other hand, the Lightning switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a subtle and polished typing feel. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing environment when choosing between these switches. If you desire a quieter and smoother experience, the Ginger Milk switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a more pronounced and vibrant sound with a comfortable typing feel, the Lightning switch could be a better fit. However, it's worth noting that individual preferences can vary, and the overall typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider your preferences and use case. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that is soft and pastel, then the Ginger Milk switch is a great option for you. It offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light bottom out force and need a switch that allows for faster typing speed, the Lightning switch is the way to go. It provides a slick type feel with a clacky sound profile, making it perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your desired sound and feel, as well as your specific typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
