Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provide two distinct typing experiences. The Ginger Milk switch is praised for its soft and pastel appearance, mirroring the silky smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers gentle tactility in each keystroke, providing satisfying feedback without sacrificing a fairly muted sound profile. While the Ginger Milk switch is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery,' the Mini i switch is described as 'Bouncy,' 'Easy-to-press,' 'Mild,' 'Neutral,' 'Snappy,' 'Subtle,' and 'Stepped.' Each switch has its own unique attributes that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Mini i switches both offer unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of the typing experience. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Mini i's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The clear translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the softer nylon of the Mini i absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder effect.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Ginger Milk and the Mini i utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With both switches sharing the same nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
While both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials, the split between top and bottom housings ensures a balanced typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk emphasizes the sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the Mini i's nylon top housing provides a deeper sound profile, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback based on their housing materials, providing users with different options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Ginger Milk is heavier while the Mini i is lighter. 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 Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ginger Milk for its heavier forces, while those who enjoy a lighter typing feel may opt for the Mini i. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preference, with the Ginger Milk catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel and the Mini i appealing to those who enjoy a smoother and lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mini i, which may result in a slightly deeper keypress feel. Gamers who are looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mini i, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Ginger Milk with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences due to their slightly varied travel distances, catering to users with different preferences.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Mini i switches fall under the neutral category, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various environments. The Ginger Milk offers a muted, snappy sound profile, while the Mini i provides a fairly muted sound that still maintains satisfying feedback. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience that feels seamless and effortless. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press feel that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Mini i also falls under the categories of mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, showcasing its versatility in providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ginger Milk provides a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound, the Mini i strikes a balance with gentle tactility and a more bouncy, easy-to-press feel. Whether you prefer a buttery typing experience with a muted sound or a bouncy feedback with gentle resistance, both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy key press with a smooth and approachable feel, along with a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press with gentle tactility, a fairly muted sound profile, and keys that feel bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, then the Gateron Mini i could be the better option for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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