Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Poro both present compelling options for enthusiasts of linear switches, yet they cater to distinctly different preferences. The Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its soft and pastel aesthetics that translate to a typing experience characterized by a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile; perfect for those who prioritize a more subtle auditory environment while enjoying a whimsical touch. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch offers an effortless glide paired with a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, thanks to its ultra-light actuation force and meticulous lubrication; ideal for users who seek a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique charm, making them worthy contenders depending on your typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Poro showcase an interesting juxtaposition in their choice of housing materials, with the Ginger Milk utilizing a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Poro opts for a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate upper housing of the Ginger Milk is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition, enhancing the overall auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is used. In contrast, the Poro's nylon top housing, being softer, produces a deeper and fuller sound, characterized by its ability to absorb sound effectively. This distinction in top housing materials suggests that the two switches will provide different auditory feedback, with the Ginger Milk leaning towards a bright tonal response, and the Poro offering a more subdued and rounded sound.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Ginger Milk and Poro. This element imparts a deeper auditory character to both switches, as nylon is adept at absorbing sound, resulting in a similar effect where both switches benefit from a fuller sound profile when typing. The presence of nylon in both switch designs means that, regardless of the differing top housings, the bottom-out sound when pressing the keys will resonate with a similar depth. This consistent bottom housing ensures that typists will experience a satisfying tactile feedback, which is crucial for a pleasurable typing experience.
Nonetheless, the divergence in the top housing materials leads to variation in the overall sound profile and tactile feedback when releasing the keys. While the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top endows it with a bright, resonant sound upon key release, the Poro's all-nylon construction results in a sound that feels more subdued and plush. Therefore, while both switches can display a pleasing depth due to their nylon lower housings, the explicit differences in their top materials highlight a contrast that can affect user preference based on auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to whether a user favors a sharper sound profile or a deeper, more rounded auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Poro switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. Consequently, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may favor the Ginger Milk switch due to its higher resistance, while those seeking a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming may opt for the Poro switch. Additionally, the difference in bottom out forces—63.5 grams for the Ginger Milk compared to 50 grams for the Poro—highlights a substantial variance in the overall feel, further influencing user preference. Therefore, while both switches have distinct characteristics, the Ginger Milk is heavier and offers a different tactile experience than the lighter, more responsive Poro switch.
Travel distance
Both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Since they have the same distance, users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. This consistency in travel distance may appeal to those looking for uniformity in key feel across different switches, allowing for seamless transitions in typing or gaming scenarios.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 switch is characterized by a muted, snappy profile that offers a neutral auditory experience. This makes it a versatile choice for a variety of environments, whether you're at home or in an office setting, as it won't be overly disruptive. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch features a more pronounced poppy and clacky sound profile, which gives the keystrokes a lively quality. This distinction in sound may appeal more to users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. However, it’s important to note that the actual sound experience can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycap materials for both switches.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery typing experience. This smooth and fluid keystroke makes it feel effortless to type on, giving users a sense of comfort and ease during extended use. The Poro switch, while meticulously lubricated to provide silky smoothness, does not have a specified feel descriptor. However, given its emphasis on a smooth glide, one can infer that it might offer a similarly satisfying tactile experience. Both switches suggest a priority on a seamless typing experience, although the specific nuances of their tactile sensations may differ.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Poro linear switches aim to provide comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with some differences in sound and feel. The Ginger Milk leans towards a muted and smooth typing experience that is adaptable to various settings, while the Poro offers a livelier, more pronounced sound that may appeal to some users. Ultimately, whether you choose one over the other may depend on your personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and tactile feel, but both switches promise a smooth glide that enhances the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Poro linear switches will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using them. If you favor a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate a buttery smooth typing experience, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its muted sound profile makes it more versatile, suitable for various settings, whether at home or in an office. The Ginger Milk offers a balanced blend of comfort and feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile, pleasant typing sensation without too much auditory distraction. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with an ultra-light actuation force, the HMX Poro will cater to your needs well, especially if you enjoy a more lively and slightly poppy sound profile. The Poro switches are meticulously lubricated, delivering an effortless glide, which is perfect for rapid typing or gaming where speed is advantageous. In summary, choose the Ginger Milk for a satisfying, muted experience in diverse environments and opt for the HMX Poro if you prioritize a light, smooth touch with a bit more auditory feedback for a lively typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
