Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Ginger Milk switches are soft and pastel, providing a silky smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches feature a snappy sound signature with a long pole design that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke while maintaining a smooth actuation. The Ginger Milk switches are categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', while the Piano Pro switches are labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Depending on your preferences, you may want to choose the Ginger Milk for its soft and smooth typing experience or the Piano Pro for its lively and crisp keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. However, the two switches differ in their choice of top housing material. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
While the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, the top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile and feel. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing provides a more high-pitched and clear sound, accentuating the sharpness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more subdued and rounded typing experience. These differences in top housing material showcase how the choice of housing can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Ginger Milk and the V3 Piano Pro plays a crucial role in determining their sound profiles and typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk creates a sharper and clearer sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housings, which contribute to a more muted bottom-out sound. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly influence its overall performance and user experience.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. The difference in weight between the two switches offers users the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the Ginger Milk switch is heavier, providing a more tactile typing feel, while the V3 Piano Pro switch is lighter, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both are considered shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro, but those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes may gravitate towards the Jwick Ginger Milk. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is seeking.
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 V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro 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
The Jwick Ginger Milk and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. When it comes to sound, the Ginger Milk switch provides a neutral and moderate sound profile that is suitable for various uses, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a clacky and resonant sound signature that adds a lively and sharp tone to each keystroke. The sound profile of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery and seamless typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro switch boasts a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, with elastic feedback that gives a spring-like sensation and a smooth, refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. The creamy and silky textures provide a luxurious typing experience akin to gliding fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, while both switches offer linear actuation, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch leans towards a more neutral sound profile and a buttery typing feel, ideal for a versatile typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch emphasizes a clacky sound signature and a range of creamy and silky textures that elevate the typing experience with a lively and polished touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel qualities, with both switches promising a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a soft, pastel typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Considering these factors will help you choose the switch that best fits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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