Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider. Two popular options are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Ginger Milk is best known for its soft and pastel appearance, reflecting the typing experience it offers. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, these switches provide a muted yet snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out due to its innovative design. While maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, it boasts a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience. This switch also offers a silky smooth type feel, striking a balance between polish and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are very similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Ginger Milk and Semi-Silent Linear switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Ginger Milk switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material and typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Ginger Milk and Semi-Silent Linear switches will differ in the sound they produce when bottoming out.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This means that when pressing down on the Ginger Milk switch, the nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing. However, when releasing a key, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound. Since both switches have polycarbonate top housings, they will produce a similar sharp and crisp sound when keys are released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is relatively close, with the Ginger Milk at 63.5 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Ginger Milk, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who frequently use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prioritize a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards switches with heavier forces.
While the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear is not specified, its bottom out force is slightly lighter than that of the Ginger Milk. This suggests that the Semi-Silent Linear may provide a lighter overall typing experience, which could be preferable for users who desire a balance between responsiveness and a more gentle touch.
In summary, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch differ in terms of their specified values, they offer similar results that cater to different user preferences. The Ginger Milk leans towards a medium-heavy feel, appealing to those who desire a more substantial typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly lighter touch, ideal for individuals seeking a responsive yet gentler keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is 3.7 mm. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Ginger Milk or the Semi-Silent Linear, you can expect to receive the same tactile feedback and key press 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 aesthetic, which translates into a silky smooth and approachable typing experience. When using these switches, you can expect a muted and snappy sound profile, thanks to its neutral characteristics. This makes the Ginger Milk switch suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or at work.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a more innovative experience. It is labeled as semi-silent due to its whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The type feel of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also silky smooth but not over-polished, providing a mild and snappy typing experience. This switch falls into the neutral category, making it suitable for various users and settings.
In terms of sound, the Ginger Milk switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This implies a moderately dampened sound when pressed, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a subdued sound, producing a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. While not completely silent, it offers a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both switches share the descriptor of being buttery, meaning they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This results in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Semi-Silent Linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, characterized by a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, it boasts a snappy characteristic, which indicates a super responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different but equally desirable qualities. The Ginger Milk provides a muted and snappy sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subdued sound profile. Both switches offer a buttery feel, with the Semi-Silent Linear also providing a mild and snappy typing experience. Based on the available information, it can be expected that using either switch will result in similar subjective qualities, such as a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a soft and pastel aesthetic, along with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, and a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is the one for you. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch that offers a subtle sound signature with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, while still maintaining a silky smooth type feel that is not over-polished, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is the better choice. It has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. Overall, both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement and offer a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. So, ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of aesthetics, typing experience, and sound profile.
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