Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), also a linear switch, there are key differences and similarities to consider. The Ginger Milk switches are known for their soft and pastel appearance, mirroring the typing experience with a silky smooth and approachable push feel accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro switches are praised for their affordability and smooth keystrokes that offer a buttery smoothness and a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound. While both switches share the 'buttery' characteristic, the Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' while the Milky Red Pro is also labeled as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, deciding between these switches will depend on personal preference and specific typing needs, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it's evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon, making both switches likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Ginger Milk and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ, with the Ginger Milk featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for the top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, nylon provides a softer and more absorbent surface, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials will likely translate to a noticeable difference in sound when typing on these switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While both switches share nylon as the material for the bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Ginger Milk and nylon for the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) - will affect the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, understanding the impact of different housing materials can help you make an informed decision when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ginger Milk requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. The Ginger Milk provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ginger Milk being on the shorter end and the Milky Red Pro being on the longer end. Gamers may prefer the Ginger Milk for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may opt for the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound that resonates deeply with each key press. The Milky Red Pro switches offer a more distinctive and richer sound compared to the Ginger Milk, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. This uniform sensation ensures that your keystrokes glide seamlessly with each press, offering a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Ginger Milk or the Milky Red Pro switches, you can expect a consistent and comfortable typing feel that will elevate your typing performance.
Considering the information provided, if you are looking for a linear switch with a more neutral sound and feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a richer and more bass-heavy sound profile accompanied by a buttery smooth typing feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch would be an ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will achieve a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a softer, pastel typing experience with a muted, 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 smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched, satisfying "thock" sound profile, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound when typing.
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