Jwick Ginger Milk vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, a few key differences come to light. The Ginger Milk is known for its soft and pastel design, offering a silky smooth and approachable typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Mallo switches are characterized by their subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing just enough feedback without being overpowering. While the Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery,' the Mallo is described as 'Feathery,' 'Mild,' 'Neutral,' 'Stepped,' 'Subdued,' and 'Subtle.' Depending on your preferences, you may be drawn to the smoother, quieter feel of the Ginger Milk or the gentle tactility and balanced nature of the Mallo. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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 Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite both switches sharing this material in the top housing, they may still have unique characteristics based on other housing materials used.
In contrast, the Ginger Milk and Mallo differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Ginger Milk utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Mallo also boasts a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities of a deeper and fuller sound experience. While the top housing may influence the sound upon key release, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Mallo provide similar sound profiles in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. However, they may offer slightly different typing experiences due to the variations in their nylon bottom housing materials. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles and tactile responses, highlighting the significance of material selection in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Ginger Milk also has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Mallo's bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Ginger Milk switch feel more substantial and require more force to press, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a more comfortable option for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Mallo tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ginger Milk offers a slightly shallower typing experience compared to the Mallo. Gamers might prefer the Ginger Milk for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Mallo with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a shorter or longer 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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless if you are using them at home or in a work environment. The Mallo switch offers a more subdued sound compared to the Ginger Milk, making it a slightly more subtle choice in terms of sound signature. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ginger Milk switch is praised for its buttery keystroke experience, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch is described as feathery, offering an exceptionally light press and requiring minimal exertion from the fingers. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions for tasks like gaming, school, or work. The Mallo switch also has characteristics of being mild, stepped, and subtle, providing a gentle resistance and a light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they both share a neutral sound profile, the Ginger Milk switch provides a more buttery typing experience, whereas the Mallo switch offers a feathery and mild feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preferences for typing sensation and sound signature. However, rest assured that regardless of the choice made, a satisfying typing experience can be achieved with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, muted typing experience with a slight snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering, the Mallo switch could be the better option. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile, both switches offer this quality. Ultimately, consider factors such as actuation force, typing feel, and sound signature to determine which switch aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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