Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Oil King, both being linear switches. The Ginger Milk is recognized for its soft and pastel aesthetics, which reflect the typing experience it offers. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile, these switches deliver a pleasant and satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out as one of the preferred linear switches for many users. Known for its buttery smoothness, it provides a typing experience reminiscent of dark chocolate bars snapping. The sound profile of the Oil King is rich and bassy, contributing to its overall polished and creamy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is best suited to your needs.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Oil King switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which produces a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences, both materials are known for their classic switch housing capabilities.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and the Oil King employ nylon, a material renowned for its switch housing abilities. Both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a more muted and rounded sound when typing. While the Ginger Milk utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, the Oil King boasts its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which creates a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. Nevertheless, both materials contribute to the switches' overall sound and feel.

It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each material will impact different aspects. When pressing down on the switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing, such as the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more prominent. Conversely, the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Ginger Milk and the Oil King may differ in their specific housing materials, their overall performance and functionality can achieve similar results.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly lighter than the Oil King's 55 grams. Similarly, the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, slightly lighter than the Oil King's 65 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ginger Milk may be a more suitable choice, as it requires a slightly lighter force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue over time. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Oil King. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a firmer and more tactile feedback.

However, despite these differences, it's important to note that the variances in actuation and bottom out forces between the Ginger Milk and the Oil King are relatively minor. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and experience when using either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

When it comes to travel distance, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have noticeable differences. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Oil King offers a slightly longer 4 mm travel distance. With the Ginger Milk falling on the shorter side, it is ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Oil King's longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. While both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for most typing purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The Oil King switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you were to select either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound, as both provide a smooth and muted sound profile.

When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk linear switch offers a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke feel, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. Creamy switches typically have lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials to provide a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes. Silky switches, like the Oil King, offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished aspect of Oil King switches suggests a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you were to choose either switch, you can expect a similar level of smoothness and fluidity in your typing experience.

To conclude, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is known for its soft and pastel aesthetic, providing a silky smooth and approachable push feel along with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out as one of the favorites, offering buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Ginger Milk focusing more on neutrality and the Oil King emphasizing low-pitched and bassy tones. If you were to select either switch, you can expect a comparable level of smoothness, with the Ginger Milk delivering a neutral sound profile and the Oil King showcasing its low-pitched and bassy characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a soft and pastel aesthetic, along with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, the Ginger Milk may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery smooth typing experience and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King might be more to your liking.

In terms of sound, the Ginger Milk is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using the keyboard at home or work. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, providing a deeper and richer sound profile resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk is described as having a buttery typing experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation. The Oil King, on the other hand, is described as creamy, silky, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and Oil King switches depends on your personal preferences for aesthetics, sound, and feel. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a switch and make your decision accordingly. Whether you choose the Ginger Milk or Oil King, you can expect a high-quality linear switch that enhances your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more