Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Ginger Milk is a linear switch known for its soft and pastel appearance, reflecting the silky smooth and approachable push feel it offers during typing. In comparison, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch that boasts a snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. While both switches are categorized as 'Buttery', the Ginger Milk is described as 'Neutral' while the Purple Sakura is labeled as 'Mild' and 'Snappy'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are the same, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. Despite the similarities in the top housing material, the switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Ginger Milk featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Purple Sakura also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing.
Although both switches have nylon bottom housings, they offer different typing experiences. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with other bottom housing materials. The impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down is significant, highlighting the importance of the material used for this component in determining the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Ginger Milk and Purple Sakura switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their respective nylon bottom housings contribute to distinct typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that each housing type brings specific qualities to the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a similar sharp and clear sound profile, particularly when coupled with RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Purple Sakura, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Purple Sakura the lighter option between the two. The actuation force of the switches being the same means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, users will get similar results from both switches. The heavier bottom out force of the Ginger Milk provides a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter bottom out force of the Purple Sakura allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we can see that the Ginger Milk has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm while the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ginger Milk may provide a more satisfying and deliberate key press for those who prefer more depth. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Ginger Milk provides a muted, snappy sound, while the Purple Sakura offers a mild and neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as having a buttery keystroke experience. This implies a smooth and fluid typing sensation that is seamless and effortless. The Purple Sakura switch also adds a mild and snappy tactility, striking a delicate balance between responsiveness and comfort. This makes them suitable for users looking for a gentle typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness.
Overall, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer a pleasant and approachable typing experience with their buttery feel and neutral sound profile. Whether you choose the Ginger Milk for its silky smooth push feel or the Purple Sakura for its decadently buttery downstroke, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a role in determining which switch is the best fit for you, but rest assured that both options will provide a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a soft, pastel typing experience with a muted sound profile, then the Ginger Milk may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a snappy, buttery tactile feel with a neutral sound signature, then the Purple Sakura could be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer a buttery typing experience, but the Purple Sakura provides a bit more tactility and a snappier response. Ultimately, it's important to test out both switches to see which one aligns better with your typing preferences and needs.
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