Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across two popular options: the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Purple. The Ginger Milk is a linear switch, known for its soft and pastel appearance, reflecting the silky smooth typing experience it offers. With a buttery feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk switch is a popular choice for those looking for a neutral and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch, offering a different typing experience with its unique characteristics. While not much is known about its specific features, tactile switches are generally preferred by those looking for a more responsive typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Purple utilize polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for achieving a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. In terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches offer similar characteristics with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound vibrations. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Outemu Purple also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the classic switch housing material's ability to enhance typing experiences with a deeper sound profile. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the nuances of the nylon material contribute to a unique tactile and auditory experience for each switch.
When considering the overall typing experience, the difference in housing materials between the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Purple offers a varied sound profile. The split between the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing allows for a balance of sharpness and depth in sound when typing on these switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a blend of characteristics from their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is clear that they both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them similar in that aspect. However, the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Purple switch does not have a specified bottom out force. Still, without that information, it is difficult to determine which switch is lighter or heavier overall. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much force is required to fully press down the switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the similar actuation force of both switches would provide comparable results. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Ginger Milk with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which switch is the better fit based on individual typing habits and preferences.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ginger Milk has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Purple switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Purple switch being more towards the standard 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Ginger Milk for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while individuals looking for a more substantial keypress may opt for the Purple switch with its longer distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Purple 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
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a typing experience that is characterized by a soft and pastel look, translating to a silky smooth and approachable push feel. This switch also produces a muted, snappy sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a known reputation concerning sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Ginger Milk switch is often described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Users can expect a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation when using these switches. Conversely, there is no known descriptor for the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch. While the feel of a switch is subjective and can vary from person to person, the buttery feel of the Ginger Milk switch suggests a high level of typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch stands out for its soft and pastel appearance, smooth push feel, and muted sound profile, offering a buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have known subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel between the two switches if looking for a moderate actuation force requirement and a smooth keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a soft, pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel, the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a tactile typing experience with an undefined bottom out force, the Purple switch may be more suitable. Consider your individual needs in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that enhances your overall typing experience and productivity.
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