Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Lucky present two refreshing options for enthusiasts seeking a tactile yet smooth typing experience. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft pastel aesthetic and deliver a silky smooth tactile feel accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile, making them an excellent choice for users who prioritize a gentle touch and a pleasant auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches, with their unique glittery nylon housings, offer a lightweight, neutral typing experience that many find deeply satisfying, catering to those who desire both comfort and an appealing visual flair. Both switches embody the essence of linear design, promoting a seamless typing flow. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Lucky each utilize distinct top housings that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This quality allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant, making it particularly suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. The transparency of the polycarbonate also means that the glow from the RGB can shine through beautifully, adding an aesthetic flair to the overall user experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky employs a nylon top housing, which is more traditional in its use but leads to a noticeably different sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer material, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic output, creating a more muted typing experience.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, both the Ginger Milk and the Lucky opt for nylon as their material of choice. Given that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the use of nylon in both cases means that users will experience a similar depth and warmth to the sound they produce when bottoming out. This shared material leads to a comparable acoustic characteristic, allowing those who prefer the deeper sound associated with nylon to find common ground in both models. Thus, while the Ginger Milk may provide a brighter sound when releasing the key due to its polycarbonate top, the overall typing experience at the bottom-out level will resonate with the fuller, rounder tones typical of nylon.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Lucky allow for an eclectic mix of sound profiles that cater to differing aesthetic and auditory preferences. Users who appreciate the crispness and clarity associated with polycarbonate can enjoy that with the Ginger Milk, while those drawn to the rich and rounded tones facilitated by nylon will find satisfaction with the Lucky. Despite the difference in the top housing, the similarity in the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a consistent experience in terms of depth and fullness of sound, highlighting how variations in construction can lead to unique but complementary results.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ginger Milk requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Lucky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch may find the HMX Lucky more appealing for longer typing sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing might prefer the Jwick Ginger Milk due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which can provide a more pronounced tactile response. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that feels lighter and easier on the fingers over extended use, the HMX Lucky is the better choice, while the Jwick Ginger Milk offers a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we find that the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Lucky switch features a slightly longer distance of 3.8 mm. This 0.1 mm difference highlights the Ginger Milk as the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing to gamers seeking rapid response times. Conversely, the HMX Lucky's longer travel distance may attract users who prefer a more substantial and deeper key press, providing a different tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 sound profile that balances well with its neutral characteristics. This means that while it hasn’t an overwhelming auditory presence, it still provides enough feedback to be satisfying without causing distractions. The sound is well-suited for various environments, whether in a busy office or at home, making it an adaptable choice. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch does not have specific sound characteristics documented, which leaves its auditory experience unspecified. This variability can imply that sound will largely depend on the particular keyboard configuration, including the choice of keycaps and the material of the board.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its buttery smoothness, delivering an effortlessly fluid keystroke experience that typists often seek for comfort during extended use. This silky push feel encourages a uniform typing sensation that reduces fatigue. The HMX Lucky switch, with its softer and glittery nylon housing, offers a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience. While the specifics of its feel are less detailed, the lightweight build may contribute to a more effortless pressing action, making it comfortable for typing tasks.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Lucky linear switches provide unique attributes that can cater to different typing preferences. The Ginger Milk excels in sound profile with its muted yet snappy tones and offers a buttery feel that enhances the typing experience. The Lucky switch, although less defined in sound and feel, is characterized by its lightweight construction, promising a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a pleasant typing experience, and users may find satisfaction in either choice based on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch really depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a muted yet satisfying sound profile, the Ginger Milk would be a wise choice, especially if you value a buttery typing experience that promotes a smooth and effortless keystroke. These switches are ideal for individuals looking for comfort during longer typing sessions, whether for work or casual use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 43 grams, the Lucky switch might suit you better. Its softer nylon housing offers a neutral and highly satisfying typing experience, making it a great choice for gamers or fast typists who enjoy rapid keystrokes with less resistance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the feel and sound you find most enjoyable, along with the type of tasks you'll be focusing on with your mechanical keyboard.