Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

Introduction:

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may have come across two popular options: the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. These switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ginger Milk is known for its soft and pastel appearance, which accurately mirrors the typing experience it provides. With a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, this linear switch offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is beloved for its sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. While typing on these switches, users can expect a lower-than-average sound frequency, deeper but not excessively "thocky." These characteristics, however, only scratch the surface. Let's dive deeper into the specifics so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry use different materials for their top housings. The Ginger Milk utilizes polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for RGB lighting. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry features a POM top housing, which creates a more muted and deeper sound. While both materials offer pleasing and unique sounds, the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate produces a brighter tone compared to the Blueberry's POM.

In terms of bottom housings, the Ginger Milk makes use of nylon, while the NovelKeys Blueberry employs POM. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Blueberry's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While there are similarities between the two in terms of sound, the Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly richer and fuller sound compared to the Blueberry's POM.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feeling, influencing the overall typing experience when pressing down on the keys. In contrast, the top housing's impact is more noticeable when releasing a key, contributing to the sound. So, while the Ginger Milk and the NovelKeys Blueberry may have different housing materials in the top and bottom, each material contributes its unique qualities to enhance the typing experience in its own way.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying force requirements. The Ginger Milk switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Blueberry switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. If a lighter touch is preferred, the Ginger Milk switch would be the better option.

Moving on to the bottom out force, which measures the force required to press the key all the way down, the Ginger Milk switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that typing on the Blueberry switch will provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience compared to the Ginger Milk switch.

Considering weight as an important factor, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Ginger Milk switch are ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Blueberry switch appeal to those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience.

In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Ginger Milk and Blueberry switches differ, with the Ginger Milk switch being lighter overall. However, for individuals seeking a similar typing experience, both switches offer options that can cater to their preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that the Ginger Milk has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Blueberry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ginger Milk falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers who desire faster response times. On the other hand, the Blueberry offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prioritizes a shorter or longer travel distance. However, it is important to note that while the distances differ slightly, both switches offer similar results in terms of providing a tactile response when pressed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that should be suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a low-pitched sound with a clean and sharp tone. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, the Ginger Milk provides a muted and snappy sound, while the Blueberry offers a deeper and lower-frequency sound.

In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk is often described as buttery. This means that it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless feel while typing. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch is known to be snappy and invigorating. It offers a super responsive typing experience, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the keys feel more alive. Additionally, the Blueberry switch is also described as buttery, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. It is important to note that some users may prefer a textured or scratchy feel, but this is not mentioned specifically for either of these switches.

In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch offers a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, giving it a unique typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, if you prefer a smooth and buttery feel, both switches will provide you with similar results in that aspect.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a soft and pastel aesthetic, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a silky smooth and approachable push feel, along with a muted and snappy sound profile. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, they provide a comfortable typing experience suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether used at home or at work.

On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy switch with a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a lower-than-average sound frequency, delivering a deeper tone without being "thocky." With a bottom-out force of 80 grams, they offer a firm and satisfying typing feel.

In terms of sound, the Ginger Milk provides a neutral profile, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch has a low-pitched and resonant sound, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk offers a buttery keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Blueberry switch is known for its snappy and invigorating feel, making typing more alive. Additionally, it has a textured option available for those who prefer noticeable friction in their typing.

Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch comes down to personal preference. Consider factors such as typing force, sound profile, and tactile preference when making your selection. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. So, take your time, try them out, and find the one that suits your needs and preferences best.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more