Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique features and qualities. Two popular switches to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch. The Ginger Milk switches are often praised for their soft and pastel aesthetic, which matches the typing experience they offer - smooth and approachable with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switches from Outemu provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', the Silent Grey doesn't have a specific categorization. Both switches have their own advantages, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Silent Grey both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Ginger Milk and Silent Grey both use nylon for the bottom housing, this material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of both the Ginger Milk and Silent Grey contributes to a brighter and more resonant sound compared to the nylon bottom housing. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that adds a rounder tone to the typing experience. The contrasting qualities of the two housing materials create a unique sound signature for each switch, with the polycarbonate top housing emphasizing clarity and crispness while the nylon bottom housing enhances depth and fullness.
While both the Ginger Milk and Silent Grey have different housing materials for their top and bottom, the use of polycarbonate and nylon in each respectively provides a balance of qualities in sound production. The split between top and bottom housings impacts various aspects of the typing experience, from the initial key press to the bottom-out sound and feel. The combination of these materials ensures a harmonious blend of sharpness and depth in the sound profile of each switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have very similar actuation forces, both requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 65 grams. This makes the Ginger Milk switch slightly more favorable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Silent Grey switch is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required, providing a substantial typing experience for users. Whether typing for long periods or engaging in intense gaming sessions, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces from these two switches.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ginger Milk switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey switch may appeal to those seeking a more robust and traditional feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. In this case, the Ginger Milk has the shorter travel distance, while the Silent Grey has the longer travel distance.
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 Silent Grey 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 subjective qualities of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the sound profile of the Ginger Milk is described as neutral, offering a moderate sound suitable for various typing environments. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued sound while typing. The feel of the Ginger Milk switch is often described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for users. While the feel of the Silent Grey switch is not specified, it is known to provide a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and needs. Whether opting for the Ginger Milk for a softer typing experience or the Silent Grey for a quiet and tactile feel, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a softer, pastel typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Ginger Milk switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a highly tactile and quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey switch is the better choice. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to whether you value a smooth and approachable push feel or a satisfying and silent typing experience. Choose wisely based on your preferences and needs in order to enhance your overall typing experience.