Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft, pastel feel, providing a silky smooth and approachable push that results in a muted yet snappy sound profile, making them a great choice for users who appreciate a touch of subtlety in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches shine in their whisper-quiet operation, evoking the gentle sound of raindrops and making them perfect for those who prefer a serene and distraction-free typing environment, especially in shared or quiet spaces. Both switches are linear, which further enhances their smooth keystroke, but their unique characteristics appeal to different types of typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, the key difference lies in their top housing materials, with the Ginger Milk featuring polycarbonate and the Silent Sakura utilizing nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, benefiting from its stiffness and transparency. This allows RGB lighting to shine through, effectively enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound and results in a more muted auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, they do so through different auditory signatures, influenced by the contrasting materials used in their top housing.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches share the same material characteristics as those of their respective top housings, with the Ginger Milk utilizing nylon and the Silent Sakura adopting polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Ginger Milk evokes a more subdued sound profile, enriching the tactile experience while producing a rounder bottom-out sound. The Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing, on the other hand, reinforces the clearness and resonance of the auditory feedback, maintaining a sharper sound even upon bottoming out. This dynamic creates a striking balance in how sound is perceived between the two switches, as the contrasting materials in the bottom housings continue to reinforce the overall sound profile originally influenced by the top housings.
Ultimately, while the Ginger Milk and Silent Sakura offer different sensory experiences when it comes to sound and typing feel, they can still yield comparable results in performance. Both switches have been designed with a blend of nylon and polycarbonate, enabling typists to enjoy a distinctive feel while still benefiting from the unique auditory feedback each housing material provides. Additionally, if one were to appreciate both switches for their individual sound profiles, the Jelly Milk satisfies a need for clarity and brightness, while the HMX Silent Sakura accommodates those who prefer a softer, more rounded sound. In essence, understanding the impact of switches' housing materials can empower typists to make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ginger Milk switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that, while the Ginger Milk requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, the Silent Sakura offers a softer touch, which may be preferable for those looking to type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. Ultimately, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, being easier on the fingers, while the Ginger Milk provides a heftier push for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, if one prefers a lighter feel, the Silent Sakura would be the right choice, whereas a heavier switch, like the Ginger Milk, would cater to those seeking more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a noticeable difference arises. The Ginger Milk switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm, categorizing it as the longer switch. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect user experience; the shorter travel of the Jwick Ginger Milk may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the HMX Silent Sakura may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial feel with every keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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
The sound profile of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is characterized by its muted, snappy tone. This makes it versatile for various environments, be it at home or in an office setting, as it strikes a balance between being pleasant to type on without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g aims for an exceptionally quiet typing experience, reminiscent of soft raindrops. This switch is particularly suited for users who value a serene atmosphere, making it ideal for quiet settings like libraries or shared workspaces. The choice between them largely depends on whether you prioritize a more balanced sound that offers a slight auditory feedback, or a near-silent operation.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is often described as buttery, providing a smooth and seamless keystroke experience that enhances typing comfort and efficiency. This fluidity can be very appealing, especially for those who enjoy a tactile sensation without any impediments while typing. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is not explicitly described, making it challenging to compare its tactile qualities directly. However, based on its intended use for light typists, it may still offer a light touch and a pleasant typing experience, albeit not as vividly characterized as that of the Ginger Milk.
In summary, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch cater to specific needs within the typing experience. The Ginger Milk offers a muted yet neutral sound profile alongside a buttery feel, making it suitable for a variety of scenarios while enhancing the tactile experience. The Silent Sakura, while designed for silence, provides an ultra-light actuation force, making it an excellent option for those prioritizing quietness in their typing environment. Ultimately, your preference between these two will depend on whether you value a lively typing experience or a more subdued, tranquil one.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a buttery, smooth keystroke and don't mind a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for both professional and personal settings, providing a pleasant typing experience that's accessible for both newcomers and experienced users alike. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a whisper-quiet operation, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for you. With a bottom-out force of just 43 grams, this switch is perfect for those who type softly or in environments where noise is a concern, such as an office or a shared workspace. In essence, if you're looking for a delightful tactile response and a slightly pronounced sound, go for the Ginger Milk; but if you seek a serene, quiet experience with minimal resistance, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go.
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