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Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Kailh Sage

An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh Sage. The ginger milk switches are best known for their soft and pastel appearance, which indicates the typing experience they offer. These switches provide a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted yet snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switches aim to deliver a distinct clicky typing experience. They possess a noticeably heavy weight, providing a refreshing sharpness with each key press. Categorized as neutral and buttery, the ginger milk switches offer a gentle and effortless typing experience, while the sage switches, categorized as invigorating, sharp, and crunchy, provide a more forceful and satisfying click. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can decide on the most suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

50g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

63.5g

Bottom-out force

70g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.70 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

No

Factory lubed

No

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

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Kailh Sage show similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, as it creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting capabilities when using either switch.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a noticeable difference between the Ginger Milk and the Sage. The Ginger Milk utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sage also has a nylon bottom housing, meaning it shares these qualities with the Ginger Milk in terms of sound.

When typing or pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent as it has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the release or letting go of a key is influenced more by the top housing. Both switches' polycarbonate top housing will have an impact on the sound when the key is released, contributing to a distinct sound profile.

In summary, the housing materials of the Ginger Milk and the Sage share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in sharper and crisper sound profiles and the potential for RGB lighting. However, the Ginger Milk differentiates itself with its nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience but in slightly different ways.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sage's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, which makes them both fall into the medium-heavy category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ginger Milk would be the better option as its actuation force is lighter. It allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, which is suitable for long periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial and tactile typing experience, they might lean towards the Sage. Its heavier actuation force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more pronounced keystroke.

It is important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these switches. The Ginger Milk offers a lighter actuation force for those who enjoy a lighter touch, while the Sage provides a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. In either case, both switches have similar bottom out forces, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see that the Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.7 mm, while the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a keyboard with a more responsive feel, the Ginger Milk's slightly longer travel distance may suit your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a little more depth to each keystroke, the Sage's slightly shorter travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, your preference for a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.

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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is best known for its soft and pastel qualities, which translate to a silky smooth and approachable typing experience. The push feel is gentle, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. In terms of sound, the Ginger Milk offers a muted and snappy profile, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. It falls under the category of a neutral switch, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile.

On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience. The weight of the switch is on the heavier side, providing a satisfyingly sharp clickiness. The Sage switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. The tactile bump of the Sage switch is also sharp and distinctive, giving a high feedback intensity with each keypress. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of the switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In conclusion, the Ginger Milk linear switch provides a softer and more muted typing experience, with a silky smooth and approachable feel. The sound profile is neutral, making it suitable for most situations. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a sharp and satisfying clickiness. The feel of the Sage switch is invigorating and reactive, providing pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. Both switches have their own unique qualities and choosing between them would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, if you are looking for a similar smooth and fluid keystroke experience to the Ginger Milk but with a clicky sound profile, the Sage switch can provide similar results.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a softer and more muted typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ginger Milk would be an excellent choice. These switches provide a silky smooth and approachable push feel with a snappy sound profile. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or work.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Kailh Sage switches would be a great option. These switches offer a refreshing sharp clickiness, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. With their pronounced feedback and reactive feel, they provide a satisfying typing experience.

In terms of sound, the Ginger Milk switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. They have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound. Meanwhile, the Sage switches have a crunchy sound, resembling the crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.

When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sage switches have an invigorating feel with a sharp tactile bump, delivering a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.

Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly. Whether you opt for the soft and approachable Ginger Milk or the sharp and invigorating Sage switch, both will offer a high-quality typing experience.

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