Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Red Panda. The Ginger Milk is a linear switch that is best known for its soft and pastel appearance, which perfectly mirrors the typing experience it offers. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, typing on the Ginger Milk switches feels effortless yet satisfying. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility. Typing on these switches provides a unique sensation, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While both switches offer their own unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Outemu Red Panda share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for those wanting to add visual effects to their keyboards. Furthermore, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption qualities, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their similarities, the Ginger Milk and Red Panda do have distinct differences in their housing materials. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the specific characteristics of each polycarbonate may vary, potentially leading to subtle variations in sound and feel. Similarly, although both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, the specific properties of the nylon may differ, which can impact the overall typing experience. It is worth noting that the housing materials of a switch play a significant role in the sound and feel of the keypress, and any variations in these materials can result in noticeable differences.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing primarily affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, even if the Ginger Milk and Red Panda have similar housing materials, the distinctive qualities of their individual top and bottom housings can result in different tactile and auditory experiences. It is important to consider these factors when selecting the ideal switch for your keyboard needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This similarity ensures that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of the initial touch required. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a distinction. The Ginger Milk switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Red Panda switch, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to the higher force required to fully press the key. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a slightly lighter feel during bottoming out. Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use might opt for the Red Panda switch, while individuals who enjoy a more forceful push when typing would lean towards the Ginger Milk switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see that the Ginger Milk has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Red Panda's 3.3 mm. In terms of the most traditional travel distance, both switches fall within that range. However, gamers who prioritize faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances like that of the Red Panda. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced key press and depth might lean towards the Ginger Milk due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness or a more substantial feel.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
The Ginger Milk switch is known for its soft and pastel qualities, which also translate into its typing experience. When using the Ginger Milk switch, you can expect a silky smooth and approachable push feel. The sound profile of this switch is described as muted and snappy. This combination creates a pleasant and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility. Typing on these switches provides a gentle and mild typing experience, making them suitable for most users. The Red Panda switch also produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This adds a unique auditory dimension to the typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Ginger Milk switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound. The neutral sound profile makes the Ginger Milk switch suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is described as thocky. This means that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Think of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is often described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Typing on the Ginger Milk switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is described as mild. This means that it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Red Panda switch strikes a balance and stands in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel and sound, ensuring its approachability to most users.
In conclusion, the Ginger Milk and Red Panda switches offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Ginger Milk switch provides a smooth and approachable typing experience with its muted and snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a light-medium tactility and produces a bassier bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound. While they differ in these aspects, both switches are suitable for most users and aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can provide satisfactory results, ensuring a pleasant and satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth and approachable typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a muted, snappy sound profile and are best known for their soft and pastel colors. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light-medium amount of tactility and a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a better fit. These switches also have a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Additionally, if you value a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, the Red Panda provides a thocky sound profile. However, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke, the Ginger Milk switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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