Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Ginger Milk switches are known for their soft and pastel appearance, which reflects the typing experience they offer. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, these switches provide a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are ideal for those seeking a tactile experience with a medium-high level of tactility. With their long, two-staged spring, these switches deliver deep and resonating thocks when typing. While these general characteristics give an overview of the switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jwick Ginger Milk and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because it is a stiffer plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound experience when it comes to key release, as the top housing plays a crucial role in this aspect.

However, while the Ginger Milk features a nylon bottom housing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in materials results in distinct sound profiles. The Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, complementing the characteristics of the top housing.

When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's qualities play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the use of nylon in the Ginger Milk provides a slightly different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. However, when it comes to releasing the key, the sound and feel are more influenced by the top housing. As both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, they will deliver similar results in terms of key release sound and feel.

In conclusion, while the Ginger Milk and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches share certain similarities in sound due to their polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housings made of nylon and polycarbonate respectively create distinct sound profiles. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Ginger Milk offering a deeper and fuller typing sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches will deliver similar results in terms of key release sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Ginger Milk requires 50 grams of force, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires slightly more at 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, with the Ginger Milk being slightly lighter.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a bottom out force of 63 grams, also falling within the medium range. Therefore, both switches have comparable bottom out forces.

Weight is an important factor to consider as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, like the Ginger Milk, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, others prefer a more substantial typing experience and opt for heavier switches.

In summary, while the Ginger Milk has a lighter actuation force compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, their bottom out forces are fairly similar. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of bottoming out the keys. To choose between the two, it ultimately depends on individual preferences and whether a slightly lighter or heavier actuation force is preferred.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Although both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional, it is worth noting that the Ginger Milk offers a slightly shallower feel compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.

For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ginger Milk might be the preferred option. This reduced travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. However, it is important to consider personal preference, as some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt or lack the satisfying depth that a longer travel distance provides. In such cases, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable, offering a more substantial and satisfying feel when pressing down on a key. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for either responsiveness or a more hearty depth in their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The subjective qualities of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch are best described as soft and pastel, which is representative of the typing experience with these switches. When using the Ginger Milk switches, we experience a silky smooth and approachable push feel, creating a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The sound profile of these switches is muted and snappy, providing a neutral and moderate sound that suits most intents and purposes. Overall, the Ginger Milk switches offer a pleasant and soothing typing experience.

On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is known for its medium-high level of tactility. These switches feature a long, two-staged spring that provides a distinct and strong tactile bump with each keypress. The typing experience with the Shadow switches can be described as sharp and accentuated, providing a high feedback intensity that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The sound profile of these switches is clacky and high-pitched, producing a crisp and bright sound that adds to the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the Ginger Milk linear switch and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Ginger Milk switches provide a soft and pastel typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow switches offer a sharp and accentuated tactile feel with a clacky, high-pitched sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you are seeking a similar typing experience to the Ginger Milk switches but with a higher level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches can be a suitable alternative. However, it is important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be a great choice. These switches have a soft and pastel aesthetic, and provide an approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect. These switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a satisfying feedback intensity with each keypress. Additionally, they produce deep and resonating thocks when typing. So, when it comes to sound, the Ginger Milk is more neutral, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is clacky and high-pitched. In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk is described as buttery, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch can be described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a distinct tactile feedback experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the sound and feel you desire for your keyboard typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more