Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Cherry MX Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Cherry MX Black. The Ginger Milk switches are known for their soft and pastel appearance, which aligns with the typing experience they provide. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, typing on these switches is a delight. The sound profile is muted and snappy, adding to the overall pleasant experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches have been perfected by Cherry, especially with their new Hyperglide tooling. These switches offer a textured smoothness that feels familiar and comfortable. The typing experience is accompanied by a deep sound profile, giving it a distinctive character. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard needs.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Cherry MX Black Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and the MX Black switches utilize nylon. This material brings similar qualities to the switches, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, in terms of sound, the bottom housings of both switches contribute to a similar experience.

However, it's important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of typing. Specifically, when pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when letting go of a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced. This differentiation showcases how the choice of housing materials can lead to varying experiences throughout the typing process.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ginger Milk has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the MX Black is heavier with a force of 80 grams compared to Ginger Milk's 63.5 grams. This means that the MX Black provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to fully press the key.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience would likely favor the Ginger Milk, as its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This would make it an excellent choice for those who use their keyboards extensively, such as for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more robust and tactile feel when typing would likely lean towards the MX Black. Its heavier actuation force provides a stronger push, resulting in a more substantial typing experience.

In terms of bottoming out, the MX Black is significantly heavier than the Ginger Milk. This means that those who enjoy the feeling of fully pressing down on the keys when typing would find the MX Black more satisfying. However, if the actuation forces are similar, then both switches may produce similar results in terms of typing experience, only differing in the weight required for bottoming out. Overall, the Ginger Milk offers a slightly lighter touch and a medium-heavy bottom out force, while the MX Black provides a heavier actuation force and a heavy bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is noticeable that they differ slightly. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Black being slightly longer, it is worth mentioning that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. In this regard, the Ginger Milk would be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer the more substantial depth provided by the MX Black's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences, with the Ginger Milk offering a more responsive experience and the MX Black providing a deeper key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a muted and snappy sound profile. This means that the typing experience with these switches will have a more subdued and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a deep sound profile. This implies a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. The sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a neutral sound with moderate actuation force, the Ginger Milk will suit your needs. If you prefer a low-pitched switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the MX Black is a great choice.

When it comes to feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a buttery experience. This means that the keystrokes will feel smooth, fluid, and effortless. The typing sensation will be seamless and uniform. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as textured. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch is also considered stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. If you prefer a buttery and effortless typing experience, the Ginger Milk switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with noticeable texture and don't mind a higher actuation force, the MX Black switch will suit you better.

Considering the available information, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a soft and pastel aesthetic, which is representative of the smooth and approachable typing experience it provides. It has a muted and snappy sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery and seamless typing experience, ensuring an effortless and uniform sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a classic textured smoothness, with a deep sound profile that is low-pitched. It offers noticeable friction when pressed and requires a higher amount of force to actuate. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences. However, if you prefer the qualities of the Ginger Milk but want a deeper sound profile, you can achieve similar results by using the MX Black switch with appropriate keycaps and keyboard board.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a moderately heavy bottom out force and a smooth and approachable typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a soft and pastel aesthetic, coupled with a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. Additionally, they have a buttery feel that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation.

On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a great option. These switches have a bottom out force of 80 grams, making them suitable for those who prefer a heavier typing feel. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, the MX Black switches offer a classic textured smoothness, providing a familiar and satisfying typing experience.

It's also worth noting that the Ginger Milk switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the switch at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and MX Black switches comes down to personal preference. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, a smooth and approachable typing experience, and a neutral sound profile, the Ginger Milk switch would be a great fit for you. However, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a deeper sound profile, and are comfortable with a textured and slightly stiffer feel, the MX Black switch would be the better choice. Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

Learn more