Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect blend of feel and sound to enhance their typing experience. The Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, stands out with its soft and pastel characteristics, providing a silky smooth, buttery push feel combined with a muted yet snappy sound profile. This makes the Ginger Milk a fantastic choice for users who prioritize a smooth keystroke and a subtle audio signature, ideal for extended typing sessions or a serene work environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches bring a different flavor to the table with their bright and clacky sound, specifically designed for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. These switches promise a superior typing experience wrapped in lively acoustics, making them perfect for gamers or anyone who enjoys a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. While both switches have their unique appeal — the Ginger Milk offering a gentle touch and sound, and the Magnetic Jade delivering vibrancy and clarity — the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade share notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the inherent properties of these materials. As described, polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a crisp and higher-pitched sound profile, making it a favored choice for the top housing. This characteristic is particularly advantageous when the switches are employed with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the lighting effects. Consequently, users can expect a comparable acoustic response from both switches when it comes to how the top housing influences the sound during key releases.
Conversely, the differences in the bottom housing material—both switches feature nylon—affect the overall sound experience but are consistent in contributing a deeper, fuller tone. Nylon's softer structure allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder materials, resulting in a rounder and less sharp sound profile. This shared quality means that both the Ginger Milk and the Magnetic Jade will deliver a profoundly satisfying typing experience, despite the nuances introduced by their top housings. Users can thus anticipate a pleasant auditory experience as both switches focus on enhancing the feel and sound quality collectively.
Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Magnetic Jade might look similar with their use of polycarbonate and nylon, they work in harmony to create a cohesive typing experience. The polycarbonate top creates clarity in sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom ensures a muted resonance that provides balance. Users can expect a similar acoustic character because both switches embody the same material qualities in equivalent housing configurations. This unity of design enables keyboard enthusiasts to choose between these switches with confidence, knowing they will achieve a satisfying sound profile in line with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter feel will likely favor the Magnetic Jade for longer sessions, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial and weighty typing experience may lean towards the Ginger Milk due to its heavier forces, which can provide more tactile feedback. Overall, if someone seeks a switch that balances actuation comfort with a heavier feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk would be the better choice, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade is ideal for those who prioritize ease and lightness in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Ginger Milk offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Magnetic Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ginger Milk the longer option, providing a more substantial depth for those who appreciate a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's shorter distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: the Ginger Milk caters to those who enjoy a hearty depth, while the Magnetic Jade offers a more responsive and rapid experience with its shorter travel distance.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 sound profile of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is characterized by a muted, snappy quality that provides a pleasant auditory experience without being overly intrusive. This neutral sound makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch offers a vibrant and clacky sound that stands out when typing. This lively auditory feedback enhances the typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustics. Ultimately, while the Ginger Milk is more subtle and soft, the Magnetic Jade provides a brighter and more energetic sound, catering to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switches are known for their buttery smoothness, delivering a seamless and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless during long typing sessions. This characteristic makes them approachable and comfortable for users who favor a softer touch. The Magnetic Jade switches, meanwhile, are unforthcoming in terms of specific tactile feedback descriptions, but they are often recommended for providing a superior typing experience overall. The lack of explicit details about their feel leaves a question mark for potential users; however, it's possible these switches might offer a unique tactile sensation that appeals to those looking for a different engagement with their keyboard.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches offer a soft, muted sound with a buttery feel, ideal for a pleasant typing experience, especially in quieter environments. The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches, on the other hand, deliver a bright and clacky sound that might better suit those who crave more auditory feedback. While the Ginger Milk excels in its smoothness, the lack of specific tactile qualities of the Magnetic Jade means that personal experimentation will be essential for determining the best fit for one’s style. Both switches present distinct attributes, ultimately allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a more muted and refined typing experience, the Ginger Milk excels with its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, providing a silky smooth feel and a neutral sound profile that makes it suitable for both home and office environments. Its buttery keystrokes offer a seamless experience, perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a brighter and more clacky acoustic signature, or if you're interested in enhancing the sound profile of your keyboard, the Magnetic Jade is your go-to option. With a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, it delivers a lively typing experience that feels snappy and energetic, making it ideal for gamers or users who appreciate a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in, your personal sound preferences, and the type of feel you wish to achieve; that will guide you in making the right choice between these two remarkable switches.
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