Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). These linear switches offer a unique typing experience, but there are some key differences to consider. The Ginger Milk switches are best known for their soft and pastel appearance, which accurately reflects the typing experience they provide. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, coupled with a muted and snappy sound profile, these switches offer a pleasant and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switches from Gateron are hailed as the epitome of a classic budget switch. Known for their smoothness and buttery goodness, these switches deliver a low, "thocky" sound and a satisfyingly thick resistance. They excel both in gaming and typing, making them a versatile option for any use case. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in terms of the materials used for their top and bottom housings. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) use nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a similar effect for both switches. Typing on switches that use nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housings of these switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the top and bottom housing materials play their respective roles. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. As both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, they are likely to have a similar result in terms of the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk will provide a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will produce a deeper and fuller sound. Therefore, there will be differences in the sound profile between these two switches when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity ensures that users will get a similar responsiveness and typing experience when using either of these switches. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a slight contrast. The Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, classified as medium. Therefore, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Ginger Milk more suitable, as it offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Conversely, users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro. Nonetheless, both switches provide a relatively similar actuation force and overall typing experience, making them viable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
When it comes to the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there is a slight difference. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Ginger Milk being slightly shorter, the variation may still have an impact on the user experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Ginger Milk might be the better choice. However, some individuals may find that shorter travel distances feel too abrupt, and they might prefer the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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 Ginger Milk and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer different qualities. The Ginger Milk is known for its muted and snappy sound profile, providing a subtle and smooth auditory experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is described as low-pitched, bassy, and thocky. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a satisfyingly thick resistance, resulting in a more pronounced and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Regardless of these differences, both switches can provide an enjoyable and immersive typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Ginger Milk and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches offer a buttery typing sensation. This means that they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform feel. Additionally, the Ginger Milk switch is described as soft and pastel, indicating a gentle and approachable push feel. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch, on the other hand, is known for its smoothness and buttery goodness, embodying a classic budget switch. Both switches provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, ensuring that your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys.
Considering the available information, the Ginger Milk switch stands out for its muted and snappy sound profile, as well as its soft and pastel feel. It caters to individuals seeking a smoother and more hushed auditory experience, while maintaining a silky smooth and approachable push feel. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch excels in versatility, as it offers a low-pitched, bassy, and thocky sound, coupled with a satisfyingly thick resistance. This switch is a popular choice among budget enthusiasts, providing both an enjoyable gaming and typing experience. While their sound and feel may differ, both switches share the common trait of providing a buttery typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Depending on personal preferences and usage, either switch can deliver a delightful typing experience for newcomers or keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that is soft and pastel, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic budget option, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is a perfect choice. These switches excel in both gaming and typing with their smoothness, thick resistance, and low, "thocky" sound. When it comes to sound, Ginger Milk provides a neutral switch suitable for various purposes, while Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery typing sensation, but Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) also has a textured option for those who prefer noticeable friction. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your preferences and what you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
