Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Ginger Milk is praised for its soft and pastel appearance, mirroring the smooth and approachable push feel it provides. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf lacks specific recognition but is categorized differently. If you value a neutral and buttery typing experience, the Ginger Milk may be the ideal choice for you. In contrast, if you prefer a tactile feedback while typing, the Maple Leaf could be more suitable. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
pom
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 Jwick Ginger Milk and Outemu Maple Leaf switches both use different materials for their housing, with the Ginger Milk featuring a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Maple Leaf has a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. While the top housings of both switches have different properties, the bottom housings in nylon offer a similar typing experience with their softer plastic composition.
In terms of sound profile, the use of different housing materials in the Jwick Ginger Milk and Outemu Maple Leaf switches results in varying tones. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Ginger Milk produces a clearer and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon top housing in the Maple Leaf generates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a consistent typing experience with their ability to absorb sound for a rounder and duller sound. Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials, users can expect a similar typing feel when using either switch due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to feel and sound, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall experience of using a mechanical switch. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a sharp and crisp sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound while typing. In comparison, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing offers a deeper sound profile when pressing keys, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, providing unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch are slightly lighter compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of force required to press the keys. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ginger Milk may be a better choice due to its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Maple Leaf switch for its slightly heavier forces. Overall, both switches provide a balance between actuation force and bottom out force, offering a satisfying typing experience for users with different preferences.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. Comparing the two, the Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance than the Maple Leaf. The shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Ginger Milk may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing the right one for you will result in a satisfying typing experience.
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 Maple Leaf 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 it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound produced is moderate, not too loud or distracting, making it a good choice for those who value a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, there is no available information on the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
As for the feel of the switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is known for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and enjoyable typing experience. The keystrokes feel effortless and consistent, offering a pleasant sensation with each press. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, so it is hard to compare in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. While the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch may offer a different experience, without detailed information on its sound and feel, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch may be a suitable choice for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should choose the Ginger Milk if you prefer a softer and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and muted, snappy sound profile. The Ginger Milk is also a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a variety of uses whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, you should opt for the Maple Leaf if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a slightly higher actuation force than the Ginger Milk. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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