Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Jwick Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its soft, pastel feel that embodies a smooth and approachable typing experience, paired with a muted yet snappy sound profile that appeals to those seeking a gentle touch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch, a reissue of the original MX Orange crafted in collaboration with Hirose, combines the traditional Cherry MX reliability with enhancements that cater to the demands of modern users. While both switches are linear in nature, offering a straightforward push feel devoid of tactile bumps, the Jwick Ginger Milk leans towards a softer, more buttery experience, while the Cherry MX Orange emphasizes a refined, classic aesthetic. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference — whether you favor the whimsical softness of the Ginger Milk or the time-tested reliability of the MX Orange. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jwick Ginger Milk and Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, contributing to contrasting sound profiles. The Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This choice results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile that resonates well, particularly under RGB lighting due to the transparency of polycarbonate. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer and more absorbent nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, yielding a more muted acoustic experience that dampens the higher frequencies, making the overall typing sound softer and rounder. This fundamental difference in material affects not only the sound but also the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is considered.

On the other hand, both the Ginger Milk and MX Orange switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to similarities in how they manage sound absorption and overall acoustic quality. The nylon bottom housing, being softer, contributes to a fuller sound profile in both switches. When typing, this shared nylon material will produce a deeper bottom-out sound, promoting a more cushioned feel as well. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound experience, this commonality ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback when bottoming out, regardless of the differences found in the top housings.

In conclusion, while the Jwick Ginger Milk and Cherry MX Orange switches diverge in their top housing materials, both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, allowing for a blended result in terms of sound experience. The Ginger Milk offers a bright and sharp sound profile from its polycarbonate top, while the MX Orange’s nylon top creates a softer auditory landscape. Each switch presents unique traits shaped by their distinct materials, yet the nylon bottom housing helps unify their performance when it comes to the overall impact of sound during key presses. Ultimately, by integrating the acoustic qualities of each switch, users can tailor their typing experience to align with their personal preferences.

Weight

The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch offer distinct tactile experiences, notably in their actuation forces. The Ginger Milk requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly lighter compared to the Cherry MX Orange, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. This difference can influence user preference, as some may appreciate the lighter feel of the Ginger Milk for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may favor the heavier push of the MX Orange for a more substantial typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk’s bottom out force is 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown. Consequently, while the Ginger Milk provides a clear medium-heavy resistance throughout both actuation and bottoming out, the MX Orange’s unspecified bottom out force leaves some uncertainty regarding how it would compare in terms of force feedback when fully pressed down. Overall, the Ginger Milk switch is the lighter option, whereas the MX Orange is the heavier choice.

Travel distance

The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Ginger Milk switch is the shorter option, making it better suited for users seeking quicker actuation and responsiveness, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the MX Orange switch, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more satisfying deep feel for those who prefer a sturdier feedback when pressing keys. Thus, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Jwick Ginger Milk switch to the Cherry MX Orange switch, the Ginger Milk is characterized by a muted, snappy sound profile. This neutral sound is versatile, making it suitable for various environments, whether you're working in a quiet office or gaming at home. The Cherry MX Orange, however, does not have specific sound descriptors provided, meaning its sound qualities remain unknown. It's important to note that the sound produced by both switches will also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is known for its buttery smoothness, offering a fluid and effortless keystroke experience. This quality makes it particularly pleasant for extended typing sessions, as it provides a continuous and satisfying typing sensation. The Cherry MX Orange lacks detailed descriptors regarding its feel, so we can only conclude that this aspect remains unspecified.

In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch provides a soft, silky feel and a muted sound that caters well to those looking for a gentle and pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange's qualities, particularly in sound and feel, are not explicitly defined. However, if you're seeking a switch that offers a similar muted sound profile and smooth feel as the Ginger Milk, you may find what you're looking for in other linear switches that emphasize those qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may depend on personal preferences or the specific environment in which they will be used.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch should align closely with your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-heavy actuation force with a silky smooth feel, the Ginger Milk switch would be the better option for you. Its muted yet snappy sound profile makes it a versatile choice for both home and workplace environments, where you might benefit from a neutral sound that won't disrupt others. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that revives the cherished characteristics of the original MX Orange with modern enhancements, then the Cherry MX Orange might be more suited to your needs. While specific details about its feel and sound weren’t highlighted, the MX Orange is known for its durability and reliable performance. Ultimately, consider where and how you plan to use your keyboard; for a more tactile and comfortable typing experience, go for the Ginger Milk, whereas if you prioritize a trusted and widely respected option, the Cherry MX Orange is a sound choice.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more