Jwick Ginger Milk vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch. The Ginger Milk switches are best known for their soft and pastel appearance, which reflects the overall typing experience they offer. These switches provide a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches are distinguished by their big tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating typing experience. The sound profile of these switches is also snappy. Both switches fall under the neutral category in terms of feel, with the Ginger Milk being described as buttery, and the Polaris Purple being mild and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing.
However, their differences lie in the materials used for the bottom housing. The Ginger Milk utilizes nylon, while the Polaris Purple sticks with polycarbonate. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to the switch's overall sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press.
In summary, both the Ginger Milk and the Polaris Purple share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. However, their different choices for the bottom housing material, nylon for the Ginger Milk and polycarbonate for the Polaris Purple, lead to varying sound characteristics. The Ginger Milk offers a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon bottom housing's softer nature, while the Polaris Purple maintains a sharper sound profile thanks to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities that contribute to an overall satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unavailable, but it has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, also placing it in the medium-heavy category. Despite the unavailability of the exact actuation force for the Polaris Purple, it can be assumed that it would be similar to or slightly higher than the Ginger Milk, resulting in a comparable typing experience.
Weight is an important aspect to consider when selecting a switch, as it can greatly impact one's typing experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows them to type for longer durations without experiencing fatigue. This lightweight characteristic is ideal for keyboards used at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This additional resistance can provide a satisfying push feel and enhance the overall typing quality. Therefore, for individuals seeking a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience, they should opt for switches with heavier forces like the Ginger Milk or Polaris Purple.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ginger Milk being on the shallower side and the Polaris Purple being closer to the average. Gamers, who value quicker response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ginger Milk. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper feel may opt for the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 Ginger Milk switch is known for its soft and pastel aesthetics, which align with its typing experience. Users will find that these switches offer a silky smooth and approachable push feel, creating a pleasant and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the sound profile of the Ginger Milk switch is muted and snappy, providing a pleasant auditory experience while typing. The Polaris Purple switch, on the other hand, boasts a big tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple switch is also described as snappy.
Comparing the sound qualities of both switches, the Ginger Milk and Polaris Purple switches are both described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. 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 used.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Using these switches provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes the Polaris Purple switch approachable to most users, as its qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved either through the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Ginger Milk and Polaris Purple switches have different characteristics in terms of typing experience, both provide enjoyable and satisfying results. The Ginger Milk switch offers a soft and pastel aesthetic, silky smooth push feel, and a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch delivers a big tactile bump, snappy sound profile, and a mild typing experience with a polished feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is a great choice. These switches provide a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth and approachable push feel. The sound profile is muted and snappy, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch might be the better option. It has a slightly higher bottom out force than the Ginger Milk, providing an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. The Polaris Purple offers a mild typing experience, appealing to most users, along with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference for linear or tactile switches and the desired typing experience.
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