Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Cherry Nixie both offer unique typing experiences. The Ginger Milk is a linear switch known for its soft and pastel design, providing a silky smooth and approachable typing feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch that is a revered classic in the keyboard community, offering substantial heft and a textured typing experience thanks to updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update. While the Ginger Milk is categorized as neutral and buttery, the Nixie is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but both switches offer their own advantages. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Cherry Nixie switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deep and full sound profile. However, the Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Nixie's nylon top housing. While both materials offer a unique sound experience, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk is ideal for those looking for a more resonant sound with RGB lighting capabilities.
The Jwick Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing differs from the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing in terms of sound output. The polycarbonate material in the Ginger Milk switch produces a higher-pitched and clearer sound profile, while the Nixie's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, catering to a variety of preferences for sound and feel.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Jwick Ginger Milk and Cherry Nixie switches are made from different materials, each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate of the Ginger Milk or the softer nylon of the Nixie, the choice of housing material can greatly impact the typing experience for users seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that the Ginger Milk is lighter in both aspects. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier option. In terms of user preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ginger Milk, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cherry Nixie due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style, as each offers a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out force characteristics.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk switch offers a slightly shallower keypress compared to the Nixie switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Ginger Milk switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Nixie switch with its longer travel distance. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for many users, as both fall within the range of traditional travel distances.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 provides a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making it versatile for various environments such as home or the workplace. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound that produces a deep and satisfying tone, creating a more tactile auditory experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is often described as buttery, indicating a smooth and effortless keystroke experience that offers a seamless and uniform sensation while typing. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured feel, providing a more tactile feedback with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this textured sensation, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience without any noticeable resistance.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ginger Milk switch provides a softer and more pastel typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a buttery feel, the Nixie switch offers a more substantial and textured typing experience with a thocky, low-pitched sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on the individual user's preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a softer and smoother typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ginger Milk may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and textured typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Nixie might be the ideal choice. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile, the Ginger Milk is the way to go, while if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched sound, the Nixie is the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and it is important to consider your preferences and typing habits when making a decision.
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