Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between options like the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Cherry MX Purple RGB. The Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its soft, pastel-like character, providing a silky smooth typing experience that offers a muted yet snappy sound profile, making it ideal for users seeking a gentle, comfortable feel without overwhelming noise, which can be perfect for a serene workspace. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with its refined, short bump, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, allowing typists to experience a satisfying sensation with each keystroke, catering especially to those who enjoy a more interactive typing feel. While both switches excel in different areas—one prioritizing smoothness and the other tactile feedback—they each provide unique benefits that appeal to different typing preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Jwick Ginger Milk and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly favorable for RGB lighting setups, as the clear polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for its top housing. Nylon's softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted auditory experience. Consequently, using these two switches will yield different auditory results when typing, especially when considering the effects of their upper housings on sound clarity and RGB illumination.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Cherry MX Purple RGB employ nylon, which leads to a similarity in sound characteristics that shapes the overall experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches promotes a rounder and duller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This commonality means that while their top housings offer contrasting experiences, the bottom housings contribute a consistent, deep quality that resonates when keys bottom out. As such, users will find that the deeper timbre of typing on either switch can provide a satisfying feel, regardless of the upper housing material differences.
Ultimately, the varying materials of the top housings between the Jwick Ginger Milk and MX Purple RGB dictate their unique auditory experiences while their shared nylon bottom housings create a consistent acoustic foundation. The crisper sound of the polycarbonate top paired with the fuller auditory depth from the nylon bottom results in an engaging typing experience with the Ginger Milk. Meanwhile, the MX Purple RGB's sound profile, rooted in the softer nylon for both its top and bottom, yields a more subdued yet rich auditory feedback. Users selecting between these switches should consider this interplay; if crispness with RGB lighting is desired, the Ginger Milk shines, whereas the MX Purple RGB offers a harmonious, muted experience that remains rooted in comfort and sound depth.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ginger Milk switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it relatively medium-heavy, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This lighter actuation allows for less resistance during typing, which can be beneficial for users who prefer long typing sessions or extensive gaming. In terms of bottom out forces, the Ginger Milk switch has a defined bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is not provided, leaving that aspect unknown. Therefore, we cannot draw a direct comparison for the bottom out experiences of both switches. However, based on the available data, it's clear that the Ginger Milk switch is the heavier option, providing a more substantial tactile experience, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB is lighter, catering to those who prefer less resistance and a potentially quicker response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the Ginger Milk features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the MX Purple RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Ginger Milk is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a deeper experience with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key 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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
The sound profile of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is characterized as muted and snappy, providing a pleasant and unobtrusive auditory experience. This neutrality signifies that the sound level is not overwhelming, making it a suitable choice for various settings—whether at home or in a shared workspace. In comparison, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a refined yet unspecified sound experience. While the details of its acoustic qualities are not elaborated, it's important to note that external factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material can significantly influence the overall sound of both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is noted for its silky smoothness and buttery keystroke experience, which allows for an effortless and enjoyable typing motion. This smoothness contributes to a refined tactile interaction that can make long typing sessions more comfortable. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is recognized for its tactile bump, offering a short and medium-strength resistance that engages typists in a more defined manner. While the tactile feedback of the MX Purple may provide a different level of discernment than the buttery smoothness of the Ginger Milk, both can cater to users looking to enhance their typing experience.
In summary, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a muted sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a tactile sensation with a distinct bump—each appealing to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If sound and feel are critical to your experience, consider your typing habits and environments when making a choice. Both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways, giving newcomers a variety of options to explore in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a softer typing experience that is both silky smooth and muted, the Ginger Milk switch is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force and buttery feel lend themselves well to long typing sessions, whether for work or casual use, providing comfort and a neutral sound profile that avoids disrupting the environment around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience that offers feedback with each keystroke, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the way to go. Its refined bump and engagement allow you to feel your inputs distinctly, making it a great choice for gamers or individuals who relish the sensation of each keystroke. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for typing, gaming, or a mix of activities—and let your personal tactile preference guide your decision.
Mentioned in this article
