Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role in achieving the ideal typing experience. The Jwick Ginger Milk switches are renowned for their soft, pastel aesthetics and silky smooth actuation, providing a buttery and approachable feel that many typists appreciate. Their muted, snappy sound profile makes them an excellent choice for those who desire a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches feature softer, glittery nylon housings that contribute to a deeply satisfying neutral feel. With a shorter travel distance, these switches offer a more condensed typing experience, allowing for faster keystrokes and a responsive sensation. Both switches cater to different personal preferences and typing styles, making them appealing choices depending on what you prioritize—whether it's aesthetic, tactile feel, or typing speed. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Perky switches reflect distinct auditory characteristics, despite both employing nylon in their bottom housings. The Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile. This stiffer material enhances the clarity of keypresses, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a high-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the Perky's top housing is made of nylon, which is inherently softer than polycarbonate. This nylon construction lends a deeper, fuller sound to the Perky, absorbing more sound and creating a rounded audial experience. Thus, while the Perky's top housing delivers a muted introduction to the sound spectrum, the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top provides an articulate and vibrant auditory output.
Both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a notable similarity in their overall sound profiles corresponding to the bottom end of the keystroke. Nylon's soft characteristics allow both switches to absorb and dampen sound emissions, culminating in a rounder and deeper sound when keys bottom out. This commonality means that while the Ginger Milk and the Perky differ greatly in their top sound signatures, their bottom-out experience remains congruous, with both switches delivering a satisfying auditory response that leans towards fullness and depth. Users can expect a softer impact sound inherent to both, regardless of the distinctions in the top housing materials.
In terms of user experience, the unique combination of materials plays a crucial role in defining the tactile feedback and sound profile each switch offers. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top enhances the clarity of sound upon release, favoring a more pronounced auditory response that is bright and lively. Conversely, the HMX Perky provides a muted experience at the top due to its nylon housing, promising an overall smoother and softer typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials mean that users seeking sharp, distinct sound may gravitate toward the Ginger Milk, while those who prefer a more subdued yet rich auditory experience will likely favor the Perky. Therefore, while both switches utilize nylon in their bottom sections for a comparable sound at the bottom-out point, their top housings create unique auditory signatures that cater to differing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces present a clear distinction in feel and performance. The Ginger Milk features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Perky operates with a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who favor a more effortless typing style. This difference means that users of the Ginger Milk may find it more taxing during extended use, while those with the Perky can type comfortably for longer periods without fatigue. Overall, the Ginger Milk switch delivers a stouter feel, ideal for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes, while the Perky offers a smoother experience with less resistance, ideal for both work and gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Ginger Milk switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Perky switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that those who opt for the Ginger Milk switch will experience a deeper keystroke, which may be favored by users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback during typing or gaming. Conversely, the Perky switch, with its shorter travel distance, offers faster response times, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quick actions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference; if you favor a more responsive feel, the Perky is the better option, whereas the Ginger Milk may be suitable for those who enjoy a fuller depth in their keystrokes.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 presents a neutral profile that strikes a balance between a moderate actuation force and a sound level that makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. This muted yet snappy sound adds to its overall versatility and ensures it won't be overly disruptive. The HMX Perky linear switch, while its sound characteristics are not detailed, shares a softer nature given its nylon housing. It can be expected that the sound profile of the Perky switch complements its design, but specific descriptions or comparisons are unavailable.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery typing experience characterized by smooth and fluid keystrokes. This quality enables a seamless and uniform sensation that many typists find enjoyable, contributing to long typing sessions without fatigue. The HMX Perky switch, with its softer and glittery nylon housing, provides a typing experience that is neutral and deeply satisfying. The shorter travel distance of the Perky switch implies a more condensed typing experience, which may appeal to those who appreciate a responsive feel, although the exact tactile feedback is not explicitly mentioned.
Considering both switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Perky offer distinct yet potentially compatible experiences. The Ginger Milk stands out for its buttery smoothness and neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing settings. Meanwhile, the Perky switch's neutral feel and shorter travel distance promise a satisfying, quick response. Both switches are designed for comfort and efficiency, ensuring users can achieve a pleasant typing experience, whether preferred for longer typing tasks or fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, personal preference will heavily dictate which switch is the best fit for an individual typist.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier key press that gives you a solid sense of engagement while typing, the Ginger Milk with its 63.5-gram bottom-out force might be the better option for you. Its silky smooth keystroke and muted, snappy sound profile make it well-suited for both work and home environments, providing a satisfying tactile experience ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a quicker response—especially useful for fast typing or gaming—the Perky switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, could be your ideal choice. Its shorter travel distance and softer housing result in a responsive feel that many find deeply satisfying and conducive to a more rapid typing style. In summary, consider the weight of the switch and the typing ambiance you desire: choose the Ginger Milk for a more deliberate and smoother experience, while the Perky is perfect for a quicker, lighter touch.
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