Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Ginger Milk is a linear switch, known for its soft and pastel aesthetics, reflecting its typing experience. With a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile, it offers a neutral and buttery experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch, perfect for those seeking a combination of tactile feedback and noise reduction. This switch provides a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience in noise-sensitive environments. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it ideal for those seeking a more precise and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, adding a visually pleasing element to the switches. Therefore, users of both switches can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Ginger Milk features nylon, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also incorporates nylon. Nylon is a commonly used switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition allows for increased sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a similar effect when typing, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a more robust and resonant sound.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel experienced when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that while the sound profile may be similar due to the shared use of polycarbonate and nylon, the exact sensations and auditory experience may vary slightly depending on the specific design and construction of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent T1's actuation force is currently unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams of force, slightly lighter than the Silent T1's 67 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to lighter options. Although the actuation force for the Silent T1 is unavailable, the difference between the bottom out forces suggests that the Silent T1 may require a slightly higher actuation force as well. However, it is important to note that these switches still deliver similar results, as both offer a medium-heavy resistance that caters to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Ginger Milk, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent T1.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have different travel distances. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be favorable for gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate level of noise and is suitable for most environments, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch provides a muted sound experience. These switches are designed to produce softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches aim to reduce the noise traditionally associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more pleasant typing experience. 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.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery typing experience. This means that the keystrokes feel smooth, fluid, and effortless. The switch provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation, ensuring a comfortable experience for extended periods of use. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Stepped switches provide a mild tactile feedback, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. Accented switches offer a medium amount of tactility, striking a balance between a subtle and overwhelming tactile sensation. Lastly, polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ginger Milk provides a more neutral sound profile and a buttery typing experience, while the Silent T1 offers a muted sound and a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, whether you prefer linear switches or tactile switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. However, it's worth noting that if you are looking for a softer and quieter typing experience, you can achieve similar results with the Ginger Milk by using additional noise-dampening measures such as O-rings or foam in your keyboard build.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. First, if you value a softer and quieter typing experience, the Ginger Milk may be the better choice for you. With its silky smooth push feel and muted sound profile, it offers a pleasant and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch that is both silent and provides a medium bump, the Silent T1 is the way to go. It offers a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a polished finish and improved key travel, the Silent T1 may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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