Jwick Ginger Milk vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and KTT Purple Star both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk is a linear switch known for its soft and pastel appearance, providing a silky smooth and approachable typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star, also a linear switch, stands out with its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth feel and a neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out, the Purple Star is perfect for light typists looking for ease and comfort while typing. Each switch is categorized differently, with the Ginger Milk being labeled as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', while the Purple Star is described as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Purple Star switches showcase significant differences in their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Purple Star's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience. However, both switches share the characteristic of enhancing RGB lighting due to their translucency, making them visually appealing options for users seeking customizable setups.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Ginger Milk utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer plastic absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star also employs POM for its bottom housing, contributing to a similar deep and muted sound profile. While both switches offer pleasing sound experiences, the choice between nylon and POM may come down to personal preference in terms of sound depth and roundness. Additionally, the combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom housings allows users to experience a range of sound qualities depending on whether they are pressing a key or releasing it.
Overall, the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the KTT Purple Star switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different sound preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, more muted sound from the Purple Star's POM top housing, both switches provide unique auditory experiences. Likewise, the choice between nylon and POM for the bottom housing may influence the overall sound quality and feel of the switches, catering to users who prioritize specific sound attributes in their typing experience. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and aesthetics of mechanical switches, allowing users to customize their setup according to their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch differ significantly. The Ginger Milk has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Purple Star, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ginger Milk with its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding typing force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance category, which is preferred by many gamers for faster response times. The Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star, which may provide a slightly more cushioned feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch produces a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, so your choice will ultimately depend on personal preference and what best suits your typing style.
Moving on to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience, offering smooth and fluid keystrokes for a seamless typing sensation. In contrast, the Purple Star switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, so choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a smoother or more gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk provides a neutral sound profile and a buttery typing experience, while the Purple Star offers a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference, as both switches offer excellent qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, opt for the Ginger Milk switches. They provide a silky smooth typing experience with a muted, snappy sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Purple Star switches would be a better choice. With their buttery smooth typing experience and easy-to-press keys, they are perfect for light typists seeking comfort and ease. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
Mentioned in this article
