Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Macchiato both stand out as appealing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Ginger Milk switch is renowned for its soft, pastel aesthetic, embodying a typing experience that feels buttery smooth and approachable, complemented by a muted yet snappy sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a comfortable and understated feel in their typing. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, caters to those who not only desire a silky smooth typing experience but also appreciate a brighter sound profile, adding a touch of vivacity to each keystroke. While both switches deliver a refined linear experience, their unique sensory attributes cater to different preferences, ideal for varied typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Macchiato switches establish distinct auditory profiles that impact the user's experience during typing. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer composition that yields a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is crucial for users who appreciate a lively auditory feedback when typing, especially if RGB lighting is employed, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato utilizes a nylon top housing, which is typically softer and results in a fuller, deeper sound. This difference indicates that while the Ginger Milk will project sounds with greater clarity and definition, the Macchiato's output will resonate more profoundly, creating a distinct typing experience that may appeal to different preferences.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which helps create a consistent depth in sound across their performances. The Ginger Milk and Macchiato, though differing in their top housing materials, share similar qualities in the bottom housing. When typing on either switch, the use of nylon leads to that renowned rounder sound profile that is characteristic of softer plastics. This combination allows both to deliver a satisfying bottom-out sensation, deriving from the nylon's sound absorption properties. Therefore, while the Ginger Milk may excel in crisp highs due to its polycarbonate top, the deeper tonal foundation offered by nylon in both switches ensures that they produce a cohesive auditory experience at the point of actuation.
Overall, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Macchiato creates nuanced differences in sound quality and tactile feedback. Users may find that while the Ginger Milk benefits from a clearer and more resonant upper sound due to its polycarbonate top, the Macchiato delivers a more enveloping and warm auditory experience. Ultimately, the nuanced design of each housing material promotes distinct but complementary sound profiles that reflect personal choices in aesthetic and auditory preferences among typists. If users seek the energetic crispness of polycarbonate combined with the deeper tones of nylon, both switches can be enjoyed for their unique yet harmoniously compatible soundscapes.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and bottoms out at 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who may prioritize comfort and endurance during long typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the Ginger Milk is the heavier of the two switches, while the Macchiato offers a lighter touch. With these differences, users can choose between a firmer feel with the Ginger Milk or a softer, quicker response with the Macchiato, depending on their personal preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Ginger Milk measuring 3.7 mm and the Macchiato measuring 4 mm. This makes the Ginger Milk the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Macchiato's travel distance of 4 mm offers a more traditional depth, which could be more appealing for users who like a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Therefore, if you lean toward a preference for speed, the Ginger Milk would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper press might find the Macchiato more suitable.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 features a muted, snappy sound profile that leans towards a more neutral characterization. This makes it versatile for various environments, accommodating both casual users and those seeking performance, whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato is renowned for its brighter sound profile, which can offer a more pronounced auditory experience. Depending on the user's preferences, the Macchiato may appeal to those who enjoy a sharper acoustic feedback while typing. However, it’s crucial to remember that the sound produced can greatly depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which could level the playing field between these two switches.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch provides a buttery and silky smooth typing experience. This translates to a more fluid keystroke that many users find effortless and pleasant, especially during long typing sessions. On the other hand, while the Macchiato is also designed for a silky smooth experience, the specific characteristics of its feel are not detailed. However, fans of the Macchiato may still find a comparable experience if they come from a background of enjoying linear switches.
Overall, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Macchiato linear switches cater to users who prioritize a smooth typing experience. If sound preferences lean towards a neutral and muted profile, the Ginger Milk may be the better choice, while those seeking a brighter auditory feedback might prefer the Macchiato. Both switches promise a delightful tactile response, but personal preference will dictate the final decision. Users can look forward to a pleasurable typing experience regardless of which option they choose, bearing in mind the acoustic and sensory variances that come into play.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Macchiato linear switches largely hinges on your personal preferences when it comes to typing feel and sound profile. If you favor a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth and muted typing experience, the Ginger Milk is likely your best bet. With its 63.5-gram bottom out force, it provides a more substantial tactile feedback and is ideal for those who enjoy a buttery, smooth keystroke that feels both comfortable and responsive. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're typing at home or in an office setting. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter switch that delivers a bright sound profile and an equally smooth typing experience, you might gravitate towards the HMX Macchiato. At a 50-gram bottom out force, it caters to users who enjoy quicker actuation for rapid typing without the added resistance of heavier switches. The HMX Macchiato's design is perfect for those who want a more expressive auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize sound and feel in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
