Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Lime. Both switches offer unique characteristics and advantages that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk is best known for its soft and pastel appearance, which is representative of the typing experience it provides. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, coupled with a muted, snappy sound profile, it is a switch that offers a satisfying and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switches are incredibly unique in their own right. Not only are they lightweight, but they also feature an approachable tactility and are silenced. This combination makes them ideal for tactile enthusiasts who desire a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. While these general pointers provide insight into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Lime switches differ in terms of the sound profile they produce. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, allowing for a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Lime has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, those seeking a more distinct and vibrant sound may prefer the Ginger Milk with its polycarbonate top housing, while those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Outemu Lime with its nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and the Lime switches utilize nylon as the material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a similar sound profile in both switches. The relatively softer nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. With its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, typing on both switches equipped with nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on the switch, users can expect a similar experience with both the Ginger Milk and the Lime.
Although the housing materials of the Ginger Milk and the Lime switches differ, it is important to note that the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk will contribute to the sound profile upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the Lime will have a similar impact. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a comparable result in terms of key release sound, despite the difference in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Ginger Milk is 50 grams, while the Lime requires a lighter 35 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Lime switch is easier to activate with a gentler touch. In terms of the bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams, whereas the Lime only requires 45 grams. This indicates that the Ginger Milk switch offers a heavier and more substantial typing experience while the Lime switch provides a lighter touch. For those who prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, the Lime is a suitable option. However, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more robust typing experience would benefit from the heavier forces offered by the Ginger Milk switch. Overall, while both switches have their unique characteristics, they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with different options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that the Ginger Milk has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Ginger Milk falls closer to the more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Lime is on the shallower side with a distance of 3.0 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Lime with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more satisfying depth to their keystrokes may gravitate towards the Ginger Milk's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the shorter option providing a more immediate and responsive feel, while the longer option delivering a sense of solidity.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is best known for its soft and pastel appearance, which is reflective of the typing experience it offers. When using these switches, users will find a silky smooth and approachable push feel, along with a muted and snappy sound profile. This means that the Ginger Milk switch provides a pleasant and comfortable typing experience with a moderate sound profile. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work environments.
On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is incredibly unique with its lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and silenced operation. These switches are perfect for tactile switch enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience with a hint of tactility. The Lime switches have a gentle and mild typing feel, with a sound profile that is both neutral and muted. The muted sound ensures a softer and quieter typing experience, making them suitable for shared spaces or situations where noise reduction is desired.
Based on the available information, both the Ginger Milk and Lime switches have a similar neutral sound profile, which means they produce a moderate level of sound when typing. However, the Lime switch offers the additional benefit of being muted, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This implies a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a mild and safe middle-ground typing experience, making it approachable for most users. It also has qualities such as being feathery, subtle, and polished, which contribute to a light and refined typing feel with reduced finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Outemu Lime switches have different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Ginger Milk offers a muted and snappy sound profile, along with a buttery and smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Lime has a neutral sound profile that is additionally muted, providing a softer typing experience. Its typing feel is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. Both switches offer unique experiences, and the Lime switch can provide similar results to the Ginger Milk in terms of sound and feel, with the added benefits of being lightweight and tactile. The final choice would depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and switch characteristics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ginger Milk is a great option. Its soft and pastel construction reflects the smooth and approachable push feel that these switches provide. The muted and snappy sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Lime switches are perfect for you. They offer an incredibly unique and feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. The switches are also silenced, minimizing noise and making them suitable for shared spaces. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk offers a buttery smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the Lime switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience that is gentle on your fingers and reduces fatigue. Both switches deliver a polished typing experience with smooth key travel. Consider your preferences for weight, tactility, sound, and feel when making your decision.