Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Mars

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Mars. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft, pastel aesthetic and a typing experience that embraces a silky smooth and approachable push feel, paired with a muted, snappy sound profile. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a gentle yet responsive typing experience. In contrast, Gateron Mars switches bring innovation to the table with their unique POK stem and a housing composed of a blend of Nylon and POM, delivering durability and reliability. Although both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different typing preferences and aesthetics. The Ginger Milk evokes a neutral and buttery feel, while the Mars emphasizes a modern design approach. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Gateron Mars Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gateron Mars switches, a notable contrast emerges, particularly in their top housings. The Ginger Milk utilizes polycarbonate, a material renowned for its rigidity and transparency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it an attractive option for those looking to enhance the clarity of their keystrokes, especially when RGB lighting is considered. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, which leads to a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb more sound, yielding a more muted auditory experience. Thus, while the Ginger Milk aims for a crystalline sound with its polycarbonate top, the Mars's nylon top delivers a more rounded auditory profile, appealing to different user preferences.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a similarity between the two switches, as both utilize nylon material. This shared characteristic means that the sound of key presses in both switches is influenced by the deeper and fuller sound profile produced by nylon. The impact of the bottom housing is significant, as it contributes to the overall sound and feel when bottoming out a key. Here, both switches deliver a strikingly similar experience, with the deeper tones of nylon creating an inviting tactile sensation for typists. Thus, while the top housings diverge in material and resultant sound, the similarities in the bottom housings serve to unify the typing experience of the Ginger Milk and Mars switches.

Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gateron Mars switches underscores the complexity of sound profiles produced by mechanical switches. While the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top yields a crisp sound contrasted by a hearty nylon bottom, the Mars's nylon top and POM bottom create a muted yet pleasing auditory result. This interplay of materials allows each switch to appeal to distinct preferences among users. Ultimately, those seeking a bright and sharp response may lean towards the Ginger Milk, while those who favor a deeper and fuller sound might prefer the Gateron Mars, reflecting how the unique characteristics of their housing materials create varied, yet enjoyable, typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see differences in actuation force that affect their overall feel. The Ginger Milk switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it medium-heavy and providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Mars switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who prefer a less strenuous typing session. However, while the actuation force for the Mars is known, its bottom out force remains unavailable, leaving us unable to draw a complete comparison in that regard. The Ginger Milk's bottom out force is 63.5 grams, indicating a greater resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Consequently, users who favor a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Gateron Mars switch, while those who appreciate a firmer feedback would likely prefer the Jwick Ginger Milk.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer option, while the Mars has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm might seem minimal, but it can influence the overall typing experience. Gamers often lean towards the Mars switch for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times, which can be advantageous in competitive settings. Conversely, the Ginger Milk switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, offering a deeper actuation that some users find more comfortable. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal preference for either quicker responsiveness or a more pronounced key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and a sound level that is unobtrusive, making it versatile for various environments, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced typist. This makes the Ginger Milk an excellent choice for both home and workplace settings. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch lacks a definitive sound description, which may indicate that its sound profile could vary widely depending on external influences such as the keyboard construction, materials, and keycaps used.

As for the feel, the Ginger Milk switch is characterized by its buttery smoothness, providing users with a seamless and fluid keystroke experience that enhances typing efficiency and enjoyment. This smoothness contributes to a pleasantly uniform sensation across all key presses. On the other hand, the specific feel of the Mars switch is not detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how it might compare in terms of typing experience or tactile feedback.

In summary, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is well-regarded for its neutral sound profile and buttery feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. While the Gateron Mars switch offers innovative design elements, its sound and feel characteristics are less defined. If you prefer a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a moderate sound level, the Ginger Milk is a compelling choice. However, without more concrete details on the Mars switch, establishing a direct comparison remains challenging. Ultimately, the right switch will depend on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound design.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it’s essential to consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a switch that provides a medium-heavy actuation force with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile and buttery feel make it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists, whether you’re using it in a quiet office or at home. On the other hand, while the specific details around the Gateron Mars’s performance are less defined, if you lean towards innovative designs and are curious about how nylon and POM materials can impact feel and durability, this switch may be worth exploring once more information is available on its characteristics. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that ensures consistent and satisfying feedback, go with the Ginger Milk; if you are interested in trying something potentially game-changing, keep an eye on the Mars switch.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more