Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Lotus (Heavy) both stand out as exceptional linear options, yet they offer distinctly different typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its soft, pastel-like feel, providing a silky smooth and approachable push with a muted yet snappy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle and subtle typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, delivering a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy feeling with every keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during their typing sessions. While the Ginger Milk is perfect for those who seek a calming and refined typing environment, the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those who thrive on a more energizing and dynamic 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), a notable difference arises in their top housing compositions. The Ginger Milk utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is renowned for producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This stiffer plastic not only enhances clarity but also makes the switch particularly effective for RGB lighting due to its translucence. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), on the other hand, features a nylon top housing, which contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon, being softer and more sound-absorptive, create a rounder auditory experience, deviating from the crispness of polycarbonate.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, reinforcing a uniform acoustic experience in that area. Both housing materials have similar effects with respect to the bottom sound profile: a deeper, fuller sound that is pleasant for typists and gamers alike. The common use of nylon in the bottom housing promotes consistency in the overall typing experience, as it tends to absorb more sound, making the bottom-out sound softer and more muted. This means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the grounded essence of each switch remains comparable when evaluating their lower housing components.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials lead to different sound profiles when the key is pressed or released, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent foundation in acoustic performance. The Ginger Milk's sharper sound stage paired with the Lotus (Heavy)'s deeper notes demonstrates how distinct materials can influence user experience when typing. Collectively, these attributes shape the overall auditory and tactile sensation, illustrating how housing compositions impact keyboard switches differently but can yield similarly satisfying results.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 55 grams required by the Lotus (Heavy), making the former easier to activate, which may be preferred for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Ginger Milk is 63.5 grams, slightly heavier than the Lotus's bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that while the actuation experience of the Ginger Milk may feel lighter, both switches provide a relatively similar bottom out feel. Overall, this makes the Ginger Milk the lighter option in terms of actuation, while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Ginger Milk features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Ginger Milk offers a bit more depth in its actuation, which some users may prefer for a feeling of substantiality and gradual feedback during key presses. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) aligns more with the trending preference for shorter travel distances, which are often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, users looking for a more responsive experience might lean towards the HMX Lotus (Heavy), whereas those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate keypress might find the Jwick Ginger Milk more to their liking.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a muted and snappy profile, which tends to produce a neutral sound that is not overly loud or distracting. This makes it a versatile option for a variety of environments, whether you’re at home or in an office setting. The sound is soft and pleasant, contributing to a more calming typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a bright and resonant sound. This distinct audio feedback can add a level of excitement to your typing, though it may also be more noticeable in quieter environments. The auditory experience with the Lotus switches may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced sound with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. This means that every keystroke feels effortless and uniform, which can be particularly appealing for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) switch features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, which promotes a super bouncy feeling that makes each keystroke feel invigorating. The significant weight creates a tactile sensation that can enhance the typing experience, providing feedback that can be both satisfying and rewarding.
In summary, while both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches cater to different user preferences, they offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. The Ginger Milk excels with its muted, buttery feel, making it suitable for a calm and controlled environment. The Lotus (Heavy), with its bright sound and bouncy feedback, brings an engaging tactile experience to the table. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a fulfilling typing experience, allowing you to enjoy smooth and enjoyable keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use them. If you’re looking for a gentle, soft touch with a silkier feel and a muted, snappy sound, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams makes it a great option for those who enjoy a smooth and buttery keystroke experience, which can enhance your typing comfort whether you’re working from home or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced and uplifting tactile feedback, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) may be your go-to. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 62.5 grams and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switches deliver a bouncy feel that adds a delightful responsiveness to each keystroke, perfect for both gaming and typing enthusiasts who appreciate a lively sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desired typing experience, as both switches offer unique attributes that can cater to different user preferences.
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