Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch. The Ginger Milk switches are known for their soft and pastel appearance, reflecting the typing experience they provide. With silky smooth and approachable key presses, these switches offer a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switches from Durock are loved for their pronounced yet balanced tactility. They offer a unique jelly-like sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. While the Ginger Milk switches are categorized as "Neutral" and "Buttery," the Medium Tactile switches are classified as "Accented," "Stepped," "Mild," and "Polished." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Medium Tactile share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent property of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both the Ginger Milk and the Medium Tactile.

However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the two switches differ. The Ginger Milk employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar acoustic characteristics. Typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon.

While the top housing of a switch primarily impacts the sound profile when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel when pressing down on a switch. Thus, the Ginger Milk and the Medium Tactile will have differences in the bottom-out sound and feel due to their distinct bottom housings. Nonetheless, users can still expect comparable qualities and experiences, especially in terms of their top housing materials' impact on the overall sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Ginger Milk requires 50 grams of force, whereas the Medium Tactile's actuation force is not available. However, it is important to note that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. This means that they offer a decent amount of resistance to ensure a satisfying typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Medium Tactile requires 65 grams of force to be fully pressed down. Here, we can see that the Medium Tactile switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out.

Weight plays a significant role in keyboard preferences. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This is particularly useful for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some people find a stronger push feel more substantial and enjoyable for typing. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier forces.

In summary, while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unavailable, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Ginger Milk is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Medium Tactile. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Ginger Milk, while those seeking a slightly heavier feel could consider the Medium Tactile for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they have slight differences. The Ginger Milk offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Medium Tactile provides a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Medium Tactile being slightly longer. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers, who seek faster response times. In this regard, the Ginger Milk's shorter travel distance may be preferred. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key may find the longer travel distance of the Medium Tactile to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Ginger Milk switch is best known for its soft and pastel appearance, which is reflective of its typing experience. When using the Ginger Milk switch, users can expect a silky smooth and approachable push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. This switch is considered neutral in terms of sound, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. The feel of the Ginger Milk switch can be described as buttery, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.

On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility. This switch offers a tactile experience that is not overwhelming nor subtle - a medium amount of tactility commonly referred to as an accented switch. The sound signature of the Medium Tactile switch is described as jelly-like, although no specific information is available regarding its sound profile. The feel of the Medium Tactile switch can be further characterized as stepped, offering a two-stage keystroke experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also considered mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Medium Tactile switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Ginger Milk and Medium Tactile switches offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Ginger Milk provides a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. It is a neutral switch suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. It has a stepped feel with mild characteristics, providing a gentle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and selecting one over the other depends on personal preference and desired typing experience. However, if a user prefers a similar sound profile or finds both switches suitable for their needs, they can expect comparable results.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences.

If you prioritize a soft and pastel aesthetic and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Ginger Milk is the switch for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a comfortable and approachable push feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile is the switch that will suit your needs. It offers an accented tactile experience, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it has a stepped feel, giving you a more mild sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

In terms of sound, the Ginger Milk is described as neutral, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Unfortunately, the sound description for the Medium Tactile is not provided, so it may be best to try out the switch firsthand or consult user reviews for more information.

In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Alternatively, the Medium Tactile is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This means it offers a tactile typing sensation that is not overwhelming, has a mild intensity, and provides reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch will come down to your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and aesthetics.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more