Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The Ginger Milk is praised for its soft and pastel appearance, mirroring the smooth and approachable typing experience it offers. With a muted, snappy sound profile, this switch falls into the categories of neutral and buttery. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom lacks a specific standout feature but is categorized as versatile. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, delving deeper into the specifics of each switch will allow you to make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Tom feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housings suggest that users can expect similar sound qualities from both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Jwick Ginger Milk utilizes nylon, while the Outemu Tom also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite their similar bottom housings, there may still be subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches due to various factors such as the design and layout of the internal components.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches offers a unique typing experience by providing a balance of sharp, high-pitched sounds with deeper, fuller tones. While the differences in their bottom housing materials may result in slightly varied typing experiences, the overall sound profiles of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Tom are likely to have some similarities due to their shared polycarbonate top housings. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper sound with fuller resonance, both switches offer noteworthy qualities in their housing materials.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk is heavier at 63.5 grams while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Ginger Milk switch provides a slightly lighter initial press but requires more force to fully press down, offering a balance between typing efficiency and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tom switch's actuation force is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Tom switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ginger Milk switch. The Ginger Milk switch falls closer to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, providing a more substantial depth when pressed. On the other hand, the Tom switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming 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 Tom 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 soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth and approachable push feel. This results in a muted, snappy sound profile for a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have specific subjective qualities mentioned for sound or feel. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard used and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a buttery, smooth keystroke experience, the Ginger Milk linear switch would be a great option to consider. If you are unsure about the Tom tactile switch, you may still get similar results depending on the accompanying components you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a soft, pastel appearance with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, the Ginger Milk may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a different typing experience, you might want to consider the Tom switch instead. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs and preferences.
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