Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron North Pole V2. The Ginger Milk is best known for its soft and pastel aesthetics, which are representative of the typing experience with these switches. Users can expect a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted yet snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is often described as gummy, providing a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfying chewy typing feel. It is categorized by its gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished attributes. Each switch offers its own unique qualities, making it a matter of personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches share many similarities. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboard.

However, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Ginger Milk utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate brings a sharper and crisper sound to the table. The material's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound experience. The choice of bottom housing material will significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.

In summary, while both the Ginger Milk and the North Pole V2 switches benefit from polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housings differ in material. The Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile found in its top housing. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between these switches based on the desired sound experience when typing and releasing keys.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equal for both switches, providing a similar experience in terms of sensitivity. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a slight difference. The Jwick Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Gateron North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Ginger Milk the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 provides a slightly heavier push feel, giving a more substantial typing experience to those who prefer it. Overall, while both switches have similar actuation forces, the difference in bottom out force allows individuals to choose the option that aligns with their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Ginger Milk has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0mm distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.0mm distance is shallower. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Ginger Milk with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel abrupt, so if you prefer a more substantial keystroke, the North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance would be the suitable choice. Overall, both switches offer different travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a muted, snappy sound profile. It falls into the category of neutral switches, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch provides a deep and muted sound profile. It belongs to the subdued switches category, offering a dampened sound when pressed. While the sound of the switches will also depend on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, the Ginger Milk gives a more moderate sound experience while the North Pole V2 provides a subtle sound signature.

Moving on to feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch falls into the gummy category. Typing on it feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, giving a unique and chewy typing experience. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switch also has creamy, bouncy, and polished descriptors, indicating a smooth and refined finish, bouncy feedback, and reduced friction respectively. Therefore, the North Pole V2 offers a range of sensations while typing, compared to the consistent buttery feel of the Ginger Milk.

In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk provides a muted, snappy sound profile and a buttery typing experience, giving a smooth and uniform sensation. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a deep and muted sound profile, along with a gummy feel when typing. In addition, the North Pole V2 also provides creamy, bouncy, and polished experiences. While these switches have different characteristics, both can deliver satisfying results depending on personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and approachable typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its soft and pastel appearance, it offers a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. The Ginger Milk switch is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.

On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more muted typing experience with a satisfying chewy feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch might be your pick. Gummy is the best word to describe the typing feel, and it offers a subdued sound profile that is not completely silent but still more subtle compared to most switches.

Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages. The Ginger Milk switch provides a buttery and seamless typing experience, while the North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy and creamy feel with a bouncy and polished finish. Consider your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, and choose the switch that aligns with your desired experience. In the end, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more