Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Kailh Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh Plum. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and strengths, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Ginger Milk is best known for its soft and pastel aesthetics, which reflects the typing experience it offers. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, coupled with a muted and snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk provides a pleasant and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum stands out for its hefty build, but surprisingly lacks a pronounced tactile bump. This makes it incredibly unique as compared to other tactile switches, where tactility and weightiness often go hand in hand. The Plum also offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. These general characteristics may give you a sense of which switch might suit your preferences, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Kailh Plum Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh Plum both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in a similar outcome for both switches, as polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and visually appealing effects. Therefore, whether it is the Ginger Milk or the Plum, users can expect a clear and resonant sound experience coupled with the ability to customize their keyboard aesthetics with RGB lighting.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Ginger Milk and the Plum employ nylon. This common choice leads to a shared characteristic in terms of sound production. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, regardless of whether one chooses the Ginger Milk or the Plum, the switch's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a more pronounced and immersive typing experience with its deep and resonant sound.

While the top and bottom housings of the Ginger Milk and the Plum differ, the impact of these materials on the overall performance is split between the two elements of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound produced when releasing a key is predominantly influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. This distinction highlights the importance of both housing materials and their respective contributions to the overall sound profile and typing experience of the Ginger Milk and the Plum.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Ginger Milk is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the Plum switch is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, also in the medium-heavy range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ginger Milk would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer and more comfortable typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Plum switch offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial and immersive typing experience for those who prefer it.

While the actuation force of the Plum switch is not specified, if it happens to be around 50 grams like the Ginger Milk, both switches would result in the same actuation force. However, it should be noted that the Ginger Milk has a lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Plum's 70 grams.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Ginger Milk, while individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier feel may prefer the Plum.

Travel distance

When it comes to travel distance, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer slightly different experiences. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the shallowest.

Gamers, in particular, may prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. The Ginger Milk's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize quick and precise key presses. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, lacking the depth and satisfying feedback they desire. For those seeking a more hearty and substantial typing experience, the Plum's longer travel distance may be the preferable option.

In summary, while the Ginger Milk and the Plum have slight differences in travel distance, both switches offer a comparable experience within the range of standard travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making them suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. Regardless, users can expect a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience with both switches.

Moving on to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is often described as buttery. This indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Plum switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Plum switch is also considered stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. This differentiates it from hypertactile switches, where the entire keystroke feels like a big bump. With the Plum switch, users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer their own unique qualities. The Ginger Milk switch provides a soft and pastel typing experience, characterized by a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Plum switch feels hefty but lacks a prominent tactile bump, making it stand out among other tactile switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a pleasant typing experience. Choosing between the two depends on personal preferences and the desired typing sensation. However, if you are looking for a similar result in terms of sound and a smooth typing experience, either switch would deliver satisfactory results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you prioritize a silky smooth and approachable typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be the best choice for you. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Ginger Milk switch provides a buttery keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation.

On the other hand, if you prefer a hefty switch with a unique tactile feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be the better option. Despite also having a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Plum switch features a more mild and stepped tactile bump. This means that you can feel some pre-travel and post-travel, providing a gentler typing experience. Furthermore, the Plum switch offers a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable in any setting.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and Plum switches depends on your specific preferences for typing experience, sound, and tactile feel. Consider whether you prioritize a smoother linear switch or a more gentle and stepped tactile switch, and choose accordingly. Both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and needs. In the end, it is important to try out different switches and find the one that suits you best.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more