Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, both of which are linear switches. The Ginger Milk is best known for its soft and pastel appearance, reflecting the gentle typing experience it provides. With a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, this switch is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery'. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier linear typing experience. Typing on these switches elicits a fairly deep sound profile, although not overly so. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating', the Cream switch brings a unique tactile experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their choice of housing materials. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Cream utilizes a POM top housing. With the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream boasts a POM top housing, which creates a more unique and pleasing sound experience. The sound profile produced is on the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Ginger Milk incorporates a nylon housing, while the NovelKeys Cream incorporates a POM housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This can be attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced is generally duller and rounder. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Both housing materials create a unique sound experience, with nylon offering a slightly different tone compared to POM.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel during key presses, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role. With different housing materials used for the top and bottom of a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key and impacts the sound produced. Therefore, while the Ginger Milk and the NovelKeys Cream have different housing materials for their top and bottom, the overall sound and feel of the switches can still be compared, taking into account the specific qualities brought by each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Ginger Milk is lighter at 50 grams compared to the Cream's 55 grams, making the Ginger Milk slightly more sensitive and requiring less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cream is heavier at 70 grams compared to the Ginger Milk's 63.5 grams. This means that the Cream switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel when pressed all the way down. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category when it comes to bottom out force. Overall, those seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Ginger Milk, while those looking for a more substantial and heavier keystroke experience might lean towards the Cream switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Ginger Milk has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ginger Milk being on the shallower end and the NovelKeys Cream being closer to the average. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have gained popularity among gamers due to their faster response times. Therefore, if you value a more responsive typing experience, the Ginger Milk would be the suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper key press and a more substantial feel, the NovelKeys Cream with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for your preference. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences regarding response time and key depth.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a muted, snappy sound profile. This means that when typing on them, you can expect a moderate sound level that is not too loud or too quiet. It offers a pleasant auditory experience that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use these switches at home or work. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a deeper sound profile compared to the average switch. It has a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone that creates a more immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and resonant. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, both switches are described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They both provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. However, the NovelKeys Cream switch is also described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. This might be preferred by some users who enjoy a slightly textured feel, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the NovelKeys Cream switch is also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates a more immersive typing sensation, making it a good choice for users who prefer a switch with a more tactile feel.
Taking into account all the available information, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Ginger Milk provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Both switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke experience, but the Cream also provides a textured feel and an invigorating feedback. If you are looking for a moderate sound profile and a smooth typing experience without noticeable friction, the Ginger Milk would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper sound and a more tactile typing experience with some friction, the NovelKeys Cream would be a better option. It is important to consider personal preferences, the intended use of the keyboard, and other factors such as keycap and board choices when selecting between these two switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have their own unique characteristics and strengths. If you prioritize a softer and more pastel switch with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, as well as a muted and snappy sound profile, then the Ginger Milk is a great choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and for use at home or work, the Ginger Milk is a versatile option.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream is worth considering. These switches offer a low-pitched, bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a unique auditory experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with the added option of a textured or invigorating typing sensation, the NovelKeys Cream can provide that variety.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and the NovelKeys Cream depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force. Consider your own typing style, preferences for tactile feedback, and whether a softer or more heftier typing experience is ideal for you. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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