Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer different typing experiences. The Ginger Milk is praised for its soft and pastel appearance, which mirrors the smooth and approachable push feel and muted, snappy sound profile it provides. On the other hand, the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a unique and satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. While the Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', the Cold Plum lacks a specific categorization. Deciding between these switches may come down to personal preference and typing style, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Cold Plum switches differ in their top housings. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. On the other hand, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Ginger Milk's top housing is more likely to be clear and is ideal for RGB lighting effects, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a classic switch material known for its sound absorption properties.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and Cold Plum switches feature nylon housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of these switches contributes to the overall sound and feel when typing, creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottom-out. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing highlights its effectiveness in enhancing the typing experience by providing a more muted and softer sound profile.
Interestingly, the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate bottom housing and Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing materials, such as polycarbonate for the Ginger Milk and nylon for the Cold Plum, have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, while the housing materials may vary between the two switches, both the Ginger Milk and Cold Plum offer unique sound profiles driven by their top and bottom housing choices.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch are both in the medium-heavy range. The actuation force of the Ginger Milk is 50 grams, while the Cold Plum requires 60 grams to actuate. The Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, slightly lighter than the Cold Plum's 70 grams. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience, with the Ginger Milk being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Ginger Milk may be the better option, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Cold Plum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm while the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Ginger Milk's 3.7 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Cold Plum's 3.3 mm, making it the longer option between the two. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and desired responsiveness.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Ginger Milk offers a more neutral sound profile suitable for various typing environments and experience levels. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch provides a thocky sound profile, giving it a unique and distinct typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ginger Milk is known for its buttery smooth keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the feel of the Cold Plum switch is not specified, so it may not provide the same level of smoothness and fluidity as the Ginger Milk.
Overall, while both switches offer a linear typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and buttery feel. If you enjoy a more versatile sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the Ginger Milk may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a unique thocky sound and are willing to compromise on the feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider a few factors. If you prefer a softer and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Ginger Milk switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile. Make sure to test both switches if possible to determine which one suits your needs and preferences better.
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