Jwick Ginger Milk vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the TTC Silent Brown are two distinct options to consider. The Ginger Milk switches are best known for their soft and pastel appearance, which mirrors the typing experience they provide. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, these linear switches offer a muted, yet snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches from TTC offer a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance, accompanied by a satisfying rounded tactile bump. These switches also boast a muted sound profile, making them appealing to those who appreciate a more refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and TTC Silent Brown switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. The polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness and ability to resonate clearly. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer a comparable sound experience when it comes to the top housing.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ginger Milk employs nylon, while the Silent Brown also utilizes nylon. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on either switch. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Thus, both switches offer a similar typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in enhancing the overall sound and feel.
With the distinction between the top and bottom housings, the Jwick Ginger Milk and TTC Silent Brown switches exhibit some differences in their sound profiles. Pressing down on these switches will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, while the switches share similarities due to their common use of polycarbonate and nylon, the distribution of these materials within the housing contributes to nuanced differences in their overall sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of actuation force, the Ginger Milk requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Brown requires 45 grams. Therefore, the Silent Brown has a lighter actuation force compared to the Ginger Milk. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider as it affects typing experience and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Silent Brown more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Ginger Milk with its slightly heavier actuation force.
In summary, the actuation force of the Silent Brown tactile switch is lighter than that of the Ginger Milk linear switch, providing a smoother typing experience. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, making them equally suitable for those who enjoy a medium-heavy resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Ginger Milk has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference between the two is minimal, it can still impact the user experience. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, with 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the shorter travel distance of the Ginger Milk would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing a key, the Silent Brown's longer travel distance may be preferable. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Nonetheless, both switches provide a satisfactory travel distance, ensuring a comfortable typing or gaming 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a muted, snappy sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch also offers a muted sound profile. This means that it minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches provide a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for environments where noise is a concern. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Ginger Milk and the Silent Brown switches are described as offering a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Silent Brown switch also has the additional descriptors of mild and polished. The mild characteristic suggests a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The polished characteristic indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer desirable qualities. They both provide a buttery typing experience, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless feel. Additionally, they both feature a muted sound profile, making them suitable for environments where noise is a concern. While the Silent Brown switch has the additional characteristics of mild and polished, the Ginger Milk switch offers a soft and pastel aesthetic that may be appealing to some users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics. However, it's worth noting that if you enjoy the qualities described, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a soft and pastel appearance, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be the ideal choice. These switches offer a silky smooth and approachable push feel, as well as a muted, snappy sound profile. Additionally, the Ginger Milk switch has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a muted sound profile, perfect for minimizing noise in your environment. Furthermore, the Silent Brown switch offers a buttery and mild typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. The polished finish of these switches adds to the sleek and refined feel, allowing for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and TTC Silent Brown switches have their own unique qualities and advantages. Consider your preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel to make the decision that best suits your needs. Whether you prioritize a softer and pastel appearance or a satisfying tactile experience, both of these switches offer excellent options for your mechanical keyboard. In the end, it is up to you to decide which one aligns with your typing style and preferences. Happy typing!
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