Jwick Ginger Milk vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Ginger Milk switch is a linear switch that is best known for its soft and pastel appearance, which is reflective of the typing experience it offers. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, these switches provide a satisfyingly muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its beautiful translucent design. With a light actuation force of 37g, typing on these switches becomes effortless and minimizes finger fatigue, even during prolonged typing sessions. The 50g tactile force also ensures a satisfying and discernible tactile bump with each keystroke. The Phalaenopsis switch is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky', offering a unique 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Jwick Ginger Milk and KTT Phalaenopsis switches are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for those planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will offer similar sound and aesthetic experiences due to their shared top housing material.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Ginger Milk utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Phalaenopsis sticks with polycarbonate. Typing on the Ginger Milk with its nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Phalaenopsis will contribute to a sharper and more resonant sound profile.
The contrasting bottom housing materials of these switches mean that the qualities each material brings will be distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. So, while the top housings of both switches are similar, the different bottom housing materials provide unique sound characteristics for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Ginger Milk has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a fairly strong push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis has a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams of force to fully depress a key, while the Phalaenopsis only requires 50 grams. This suggests that the Ginger Milk offers a more substantial and resistant typing experience, whereas the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Phalaenopsis, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Ginger Milk. However, it's worth noting that if the actuation and bottom out force are the same for both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Ginger Milk has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Phalaenopsis. The Ginger Milk falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which is preferred by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. This can be appealing to individuals who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose the option that suits their preferences for responsiveness or a deeper key press.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 is known for its soft and pastel appearance, which is representative of the typing experience with these switches. When using the Ginger Milk switches, users can expect a silky smooth and approachable push feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The sound profile of the Ginger Milk is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes the switch suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch features a beautiful translucent appearance. The light actuation force of 37g makes typing effortless and minimizes finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis also offers a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring a delightful experience with each keystroke. In terms of sound, the Phalaenopsis is described as bassy, with a deeper and richer sound profile resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
In conclusion, while the Ginger Milk and Phalaenopsis switches have different sound profiles and feelings, they both offer enjoyable typing experiences. The Ginger Milk provides a soft and muted typing experience with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers effortless typing and a satisfying tactile bump, accompanied by a bassy and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. By considering these factors, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and approachable typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making them versatile for use at home or at work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with effortless typing and minimal finger fatigue, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch would be perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. The beautiful translucent design adds to the overall appeal of these switches.
In terms of sound, the Ginger Milk switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes. However, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy sound profile that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switch also has a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch provides a buttery typing sensation, offering a seamless and effortless experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch has a stepped feel, with a mild tactile feedback that allows you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch depends on the level of actuation force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel that you desire.
Mentioned in this article
