Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Huano Sakura stand out as noteworthy options for those seeking a linear typing experience. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft, pastel aesthetic and provide a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted, snappy sound profile that makes them appealing for both casual and intensive typing. Categorized as neutral and buttery, these switches cater to users who prioritize a comfortable and enjoyable experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches offer a feather-light touch that is perfect for prolonged typing sessions, ensuring minimal fatigue without sacrificing performance. With medium acoustics, the Sakura switches create a balanced sound environment that's well-suited for both work and play. While both switches have unique qualities that can suit different preferences, it’s essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which switch will best enhance your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Huano Sakura switches showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, with the Ginger Milk utilizing polycarbonate and the Sakura employing POK. Polycarbonate's properties allow for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Its translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing option for customizable keyboards. In contrast, the POK material used in the Sakura switches, while also strong and durable, emphasizes smoothness with a lower coefficient of friction. This translates the tactile experience into a smooth and clacky typing feel, differing from the clarity and focus provided by the polycarbonate housing of the Ginger Milk.
Both switches, however, share a common ground in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon, a classic choice for keyboard switches. This commonality in material means both the Ginger Milk and the Huano Sakura share a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This characteristic serves to balance the effects of the top housing materials, allowing the switches to deliver a consistent sound experience that emphasizes the deeper tones inherent to the nylon.
Ultimately, while the Ginger Milk and Sakura switches are constructed from different top materials that afford them unique sound profiles, they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity allows for comparable results in terms of sound absorption and depth in sound, ensuring both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience. The contrasting properties of the top housings mean that each switch will have its unique auditory signature when engaged, but the shared nylon bottom ensures that both deliver that classic, deep sound expected from high-quality switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge that cater to varying preferences among users. The Ginger Milk switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a lighter touch with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Sakura more comfortable, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel will appreciate the Ginger Milk's heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which provide a satisfying tactile experience. Overall, while the Ginger Milk offers a firmer touch, the Sakura caters to those seeking a lighter, effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Ginger Milk features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk switch offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Sakura, which could be preferable for those who favor a more substantial tactile experience while typing. In contrast, gamers or users who prioritize quick response times might lean towards the Sakura due to its shorter travel distance, offering a quicker actuation for rapid key presses. Thus, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a bit more depth, the Jwick Ginger Milk is the better choice, while the Huano Sakura is ideal for those who enjoy a snappier feel in their keystrokes.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 switch has a muted, snappy sound profile, which can be characterized as neutral. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is not too loud or too soft, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in the office. The soft pastel nature of the Ginger Milk switch complements this auditory experience, offering a pleasant background ambiance that won't distract while typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Huano Sakura switch is not explicitly mentioned, leaving us without a clear comparison on that front. However, it is known to have medium acoustics, which suggests that it will likely strike a balance between audible feedback and quietude, suitable for extended typing sessions without being overly intrusive.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its buttery tactile experience. This smooth and fluid keystroke provides a seamless typing sensation that enhances overall comfort, making it well-suited for long writing tasks. The keypress action feels effortless, encouraging prolonged use without fatigue. The feel of the Huano Sakura switch, however, lacks detailed description, leaving an aspect of uncertainty. It is indicated that the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch, which suggests a different typing experience—potentially quicker and less resistance compared to the rich smoothness of the Ginger Milk.
Taking into account these qualitative attributes, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch stands out for its muted sound and buttery feel, creating a delightful typing atmosphere that's easy on the fingers and ears. On the other hand, while the Huano Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, further specifics on its tactile feedback would provide a more comprehensive comparison. Ultimately, typists looking for a balance of smoothness and moderate sound may find the Ginger Milk ideal, but those who prioritize a lighter touch might lean towards the Sakura. Each switch caters to different preferences, and your typing experience ultimately depends on your individual needs and style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice of switch between the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Huano Sakura should depend on your typing preferences and the nature of your work or gaming. If you favor a traditional typing feel that balances between resistance and comfort, the Ginger Milk's medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, along with its buttery and silky smooth keystrokes, would be ideal for everyday use. This makes them great for individuals who may appreciate a little feedback without overwhelming fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're someone who prefers light, quick keystrokes, especially during prolonged gaming or coding sessions, the lighter 45-gram bottom out force of the Sakura would be a better fit. Their feather-light touch combined with medium acoustics can help you maintain speed and accuracy, minimizing the strain on your fingers. Ultimately, consider your typing style, how long you will be using the keyboard, and whether you prioritize a slightly heavier or lighter keystroke when making your choice between these two enjoyable linear switches.
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