Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it's easy to see the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Ginger Milk offers a soft and pastel aesthetic with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, making it a 'Neutral' and 'Buttery' option for those who enjoy a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin features a silent tactile feedback, making it perfect for office settings where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin switch offers a 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Feathery' typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more rounded and dull compared to polycarbonate. While both materials are classic switch housing options, their different characteristics lead to distinct sound experiences for users. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a more muted and absorbing sound quality.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and the Penguin utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Akko Penguin may still offer slightly different sound experiences based on their overall design and construction. However, users can expect a similar level of impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on keys with either switch due to the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, while the Ginger Milk and Penguin both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, users may prefer one over the other depending on their personal preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk provides a sharper and crisper sound, particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more distinct and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a more muted and absorbing typing sound. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that showcases the impact of top and bottom housing on sound quality.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams, while the Penguin requires 60 grams, making them relatively similar in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin switch, as it requires less force to actuate each keystroke. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Jwick Ginger Milk switch due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Ginger Milk has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Penguin's 3.3 mm. The difference of 0.4 mm may seem small, but it can make a noticeable impact on the feel of the keyboard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Penguin with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Ginger Milk. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in keyboards today, catering to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key depth and tactile feedback.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted sound, making it ideal for quiet office settings or shared spaces. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Ginger Milk being more versatile and the Penguin being more focused on noise reduction.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch provides a buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, along with a mild and subtle typing experience that is comfortable for prolonged use. The Ginger Milk switch leans towards a seamless typing experience, while the Penguin switch focuses more on refined key feel and reduced finger fatigue.
Overall, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Ginger Milk switch provides a neutral sound profile and a buttery typing experience, the Penguin switch offers a muted sound and a polished, mild typing feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing environments, users can choose between these switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific use case. If you prefer a softer and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and muted sound profile, then the Ginger Milk switch might be the suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a silent tactile switch with a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback, especially in office environments where noise reduction is important, then the Akko Penguin switch would be a great option. Both switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, make your decision based on your individual preferences and typing needs to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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