Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Ginger Milk switch is best known for its soft and pastel aesthetics, which mirror the typing experience it provides. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, using this switch results in a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, perfect for environments that demand quieter typing. It delivers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound clarity. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetics of the switch. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend top housing. This material produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as "clacky." While it shares similarities in terms of sound pitch with the Ginger Milk, it offers a slightly different tonal quality.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ginger Milk features a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material is considered a classic choice for switch housing. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black uses its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing as well. Like its top housing, this material contributes to a thin and higher-pitched sound, described as "clacky." The bottom housing's impact is primarily felt in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials affects the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches have a relatively high-pitched sound, the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, whereas the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend offers a slightly gentler and less sharp sound. However, both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback. Additionally, the Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing adds depth to the sound, creating a fuller sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing maintains its clacky nature. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to various preferences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Ginger Milk is 50 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a medium-heavy actuation force, but the Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier. As for the bottom out force, the Ginger Milk has a force of 63.5 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires 70 grams. Again, the Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter option, such as the Ginger Milk, as it allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without causing fatigue. It offers a lighter push feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a stronger push feel, which some individuals may find more substantial and satisfying. For those who enjoy a heavier typing experience, the Silent Ink Black would be the preferred choice.
Overall, while there are slight differences in weight between the two switches, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force requirements, albeit with a slight variation in feel due to the variations in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can see that the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Ink Black has a more traditional travel distance, while the Ginger Milk offers a slightly shorter travel distance. In general, shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times, while longer travel distances may provide a more satisfying depth for some individuals. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Ginger Milk with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper keystroke sensation, the Silent Ink Black with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Both switches offer their unique benefits, so choosing between them depends on personal preferences and typing requirements.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 switch provides a neutral sound profile. With a moderate actuation force requirement, these switches are suitable for a wide range of users and environments, whether at home or in the workplace. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound experience. This silenced version of the Ink Black switch is ideal for those who require quieter typing, as it produces softer and quieter keystrokes, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery typing experience. This descriptor indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. The keystrokes with Ginger Milk switches feel silky and uniform, allowing for comfortable and precise typing. The Gateron Silent Ink Black switch, on the other hand, provides a silky feel. This means that these switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switches are polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience characterized by reduced friction and smooth key travel. This enhanced smoothness is achieved through the use of quality materials and factory lube, further enhancing the overall typing feel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ginger Milk switches are known for their soft and pastel appearance, which translates into a silky smooth and approachable push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switches provide a cushioned, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making them ideal for quieter environments. Both switches offer exceptional smoothness, with the Ginger Milk being buttery and the Silent Ink Black being silky and polished. While the sound and feel characteristics differ, if you are looking for similar results, both switches can provide a smooth and pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your priorities for typing experience and noise level. The Ginger Milk offers a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth and approachable push feel. It has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. It has a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quieter environments. Overall, if you prioritize a smooth and fluid typing sensation, the Ginger Milk is a good choice. If you value an exceptionally smooth typing experience and reduced noise, the Silent Ink Black is recommended.
Mentioned in this article
