Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Ginger Milk is praised for its soft and pastel appearance, which reflects the smooth and approachable typing experience it offers, accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic has received acclaim for revitalizing the clicky switch category with advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems, resulting in a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. The Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', while the Melodic is classified as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy'. Each switch offers unique features and benefits that may appeal to different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Melodic feature polycarbonate top housings, which create sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal from both switches due to their shared top housing material.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Ginger Milk and the Melodic opt for nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound quality, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches. With the nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing feel and sound across both the Ginger Milk and the Melodic switches, despite any differences in their top housings.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Melodic plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, they differentiate themselves with their nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether users prefer a crisper sound with the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing or a rounder sound with the Melodic's nylon bottom housing, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Ginger Milk is the heavier option. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Melodic has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. This means that the Ginger Milk requires a slightly heavier touch to trigger a keystroke and fully press a key compared to the Melodic. However, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of weight, as they fall within the medium range. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ginger Milk has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience based on individual preferences. Shorter travel distances, like the Ginger Milk, are favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances, like the Melodic, provide a more satisfying keypress depth. Both switches offer a different tactile feel due to their slight difference in travel distance, so choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize speed or keypress feel in your typing or gaming experience.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound experience, with a higher-pitched profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, the Melodic switch also offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive sensation. Overall, while the Ginger Milk switch offers a soft and pastel typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a more energetic and immersive auditory and tactile experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more lively typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a softer, pastel typing feel with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic clicky sound with smoothness and a higher-pitched resonance, the Melodic switch could be the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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