Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Ginger Milk is best known for its soft and pastel design, which is reflective of the smooth typing experience it offers. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, typing with the Ginger Milk switches feels almost buttery. Additionally, the muted, snappy sound profile adds to the overall satisfaction while typing. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2s have distinguished themselves by removing the rubber dampener found in their predecessor. While this removal provides a crisper typing experience, Gateron has managed to retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. The seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love in the Gateron switches still remain. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. Therefore, if you are looking for switches with a clear housing and vibrant RGB lighting, both the Ginger Milk and New North Pole V2 would provide similar results.
However, the bottom housing of these switches differs. The Ginger Milk employs a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, both the Ginger Milk and New North Pole V2 switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to similar sound characteristics that are sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Ginger Milk using nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the New North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate for consistency in sound profile. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound is essential when selecting switches based on personal preference for typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the New North Pole V2 has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which falls under the medium category.
Considering weight, some prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In this aspect, both switches would provide similar results as they have the same actuation force. So, if a light typing experience is desired, either switch would suffice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push, the Ginger Milk would be the heavier option with its higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a slightly lighter bottom out force at 62.5 grams.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that they have slightly different measurements. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional measurements, the Ginger Milk falls on the shorter side at 3.7 mm, while the New North Pole V2 sits closer to the average at 4 mm. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often opt for shorter travel distances, making the Ginger Milk a popular choice in that regard. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel may find the 4 mm travel distance of the New North Pole V2 more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. It is a versatile switch suitable for various scenarios, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is unknown, as no specific information is provided. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard you pair it with and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery. This indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It offers a silky smooth and approachable push feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. A polished switch signifies a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. A creamy switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to the Ginger Milk. And a frictionless switch provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Gateron has maintained the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love with their switches.
Based on the available information, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Ginger Milk is known for its soft and pastel aesthetic, along with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, and a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while retaining a frictionless feel. Both switches offer smooth and fluid keystrokes, although the specific sound profile of the New North Pole V2 is unknown. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that is soft, pastel, silky smooth, and approachable, then the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is the way to go. These switches provide a muted, snappy sound profile and a neutral sound that is suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, then the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is the better choice. These switches provide a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing feel, retaining the hallmark features of the North Pole lineup that users have come to love. Ultimately, the decision between the Ginger Milk and the New North Pole V2 comes down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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