Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Luciola. The Ginger Milk is known for its soft and pastel appearance, which is reflected in its typing experience. Users will enjoy a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted and snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola switches are eye-catching as they glow in the dark. They offer a medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and emit a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. The Ginger Milk falls under the category of 'Neutral' and 'Buttery' switches, while the Luciola is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Luciola has a proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. While both materials provide a satisfying sound, the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate is more likely to be used in switches with clear housings, making it ideal for those planning to use RGB lighting.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Ginger Milk utilizes a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and thus creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Luciola incorporates its proprietary INK blend material for the bottom housing as well, resulting in a similar sound profile as its top housing. Both materials contribute to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, often described as being clacky.

When comparing the overall effects of the top and bottom housings on the switches, it becomes apparent that each housing material plays a role in different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the combination of different housing materials in a switch can provide a versatile and nuanced auditory experience, catering to individual preferences.

In summary, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gateron Luciola differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinctive sound profiles. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and high-pitched yet non-sharp sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Ginger Milk contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola maintains its clacky characteristics. Understanding the impact of these housing materials allows users to select switches that align with their desired auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Luciola linear switches, there are some notable differences. The Ginger Milk has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the Luciola only requires 60 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Ginger Milk would be a good choice as its actuation force is lower. This allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, which may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience. This may be preferred by individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel while typing.

Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of bottom out force, with the Ginger Milk being slightly heavier. This means that both switches require a similar amount of force to fully press down a key. Therefore, users can expect a comparable bottoming out experience with both switches.

Ultimately, the decision between the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Luciola will depend on personal preference. Those who value a lighter touch may prefer the Ginger Milk, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Luciola.

Travel distance

The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, it's important to note that even though the difference in travel distance is minimal, the Ginger Milk can be considered the longer option of the two. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the Ginger Milk's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. On the other hand, if you find short travel distances too abrupt, the Luciola's slightly shorter travel distance may be a better fit for you. Overall, the difference in travel distance between these switches may not be significant, but it's worth considering your preference for responsiveness or depth before making a decision.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is known for its soft and pastel appearance, which reflects the typing experience with these switches. Users describe a silky smooth and approachable push feel, resulting in a muted and snappy sound profile. This combination provides a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is visually striking, as it glows in the dark. These switches offer a medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing feel. They produce a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. It is 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 sound, the Ginger Milk switch is described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and users, whether beginner or advanced, and whether used at home or work. The Luciola switch, on the other hand, offers multiple sound characteristics. It is classified as both clacky and chirpy, producing a sharp and snappy sound, sometimes with a faint squeak. Additionally, it is described as marbly, producing a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound, similar to tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. Some users may prefer the higher-pitched sound of the Luciola switch compared to the more rich and bassy profiles of other switches. However, it is important to consider that the final sound is influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both the Ginger Milk and Luciola switches are described as buttery. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Ginger Milk switch provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel, while the Luciola switch offers a snappy and responsive typing experience, which is attributed to longer or dual-staged springs. Moreover, the Luciola switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gateron Luciola linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk switch provides a muted and snappy sound profile with a silky smooth and approachable push feel. On the other hand, the Luciola switch features a range of sound characteristics, such as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. It offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, with a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. Both switches are described as buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Depending on personal preferences, the Ginger Milk switch may be favored for its softer and more subdued sound and feel, while the Luciola switch may appeal to those seeking a more lively and distinct typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a soft and pastel aesthetic, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a silky smooth and approachable typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch that glows in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would suit your needs. These switches offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a unique hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more