Jwick Ginger Milk vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star Meteor Orange. The Ginger Milk switch is a linear switch that is best known for its soft and pastel aesthetic, which reflects the typing experience it provides. Users can expect a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch is a tactile switch that is beloved for its exquisitely gentle characteristics. Typing with these switches offers a soft and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile. However, to determine the best switch for your needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the contrary, the Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Aesthetically, the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing enables vibrant lighting effects, while the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing offers a classic and understated look.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Ginger Milk and the Meteor Orange use nylon as the material of choice. This commonality means that typing on these switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience while typing. The only difference lies in the color and overall design, as the Ginger Milk and the Meteor Orange have varying bottom housing colors that complement their respective top housing materials.
It's important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities attributed to each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it directly interacts with the keystrokes. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, though the Ginger Milk and the Meteor Orange differ in their housing materials, they will still provide similar results in terms of the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces exhibit notable differences. The Ginger Milk switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force for the Meteor Orange switch is unavailable. Both switches, however, have a clear distinction in their bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, whereas the Meteor Orange switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, placing it in the medium-light range.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches to facilitate typing for extended durations, ideal for professionals or avid gamers engaged in lengthy sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more pronounced typing experience often prefer switches with heavier forces for a stronger push feel. In this regard, the Ginger Milk switch would cater to those desiring a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force.
Unfortunately, since the actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is unknown, it is challenging to make an accurate comparison in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, based on the available information, users can expect a relatively lighter bottom out force compared to the Ginger Milk switch. Therefore, selecting the Ginger Milk switch would provide a heavier typing experience, while the Meteor Orange switch would offer a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ginger Milk is shorter, providing a slightly shallower key press experience. The Meteor Orange, on the other hand, offers a longer travel distance, giving a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key.
Generally, a travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive and quick typing experience, the Ginger Milk's shorter travel distance might be desirable. However, for those who appreciate a deeper key press and a sense of heftiness, the Meteor Orange's longer travel distance would be a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preference. Some may find the abruptness of a short travel distance to be uncomfortable, while others might appreciate its snappy feel. Similarly, some users may find longer travel distances to be more satisfying and substantial, while others might perceive it as sluggish. Consider your personal typing style and preferences when deciding between the Ginger Milk and Meteor Orange switches.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
The sound of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The sound profile of the Ginger Milk is muted and snappy, giving it a smooth and approachable sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the sound of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is also described as neutral. However, it is additionally described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. This combination of qualities gives the Meteor Orange a soft and seductive tactility, making it exquisitively gentle to type on.
When it comes to feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The feel of the Ginger Milk switch is soft and pastel-like, matching its appearance. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is described as mild. This means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Meteor Orange switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making its sound and feel approachable to most users. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk switch has a muted and snappy sound profile, providing a silky smooth and approachable push feel. Its feel is described as buttery, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch has a soft and seductive tactility, with a neutral sound profile that is also thocky. Its feel is mild, providing a gentle typing experience, and the switch is also polished for a sleek and refined finish. Despite these differences, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches. Therefore, while the Ginger Milk and Meteor Orange switches have their own unique qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on their specific setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, along with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with exquisitely gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the better choice. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. However, if you prioritize a buttery typing experience with seamless and effortless keystrokes, the Ginger Milk switch is the one for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a more mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Meteor Orange switch is the better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.