Jwick Ginger Milk vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star Duck offer two distinct options. The Ginger Milk is a linear switch, which means it lacks the tactile bump usually found in other switches. These Ginger Milks are soft and pastel, reflecting the typing experience they provide. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, they offer a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is a tactile switch, designed for those seeking a more subtle tactile typing experience. The Duck switches offer a gentle tactility when typing, coupled with a clean and crispy sound profile. While both switches fall under the neutral and buttery category, the Duck switch also boasts additional categorizations, including mild and polished. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an excellent choice for those who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. Overall, the similarities in the top housing material ensure that users can expect similar sound and aesthetic benefits from both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Ginger Milk utilizes nylon while the Duck relies on polycarbonate. This difference in material leads to distinct characteristics in sound production. The nylon bottom housing of the Ginger Milk creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This divergence in bottom housing materials allows users to have more control over the desired sound experience, tailoring it according to personal preferences.
In terms of usage experience, the impact of the housing materials is distinct for each switch. When pressing down on either the Ginger Milk or the Duck, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is mainly influenced by the qualities of the top housing. This differentiation in the impact of housing materials allows users to fine-tune their overall typing experience, focusing on either the keypress or the key release sound and feel. Whether it be the Jwick Ginger Milk or the SP-Star Duck, users can expect a satisfying and customizable typing experience based on their preference for bottom-out or key release sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Ginger Milk is on the heavier side with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the Duck switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. Therefore, in terms of weight, the Ginger Milk is slightly heavier than the Duck switch.
In terms of the actuation force, the Ginger Milk requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force of the Duck switch is unknown. However, both switches can provide a similar typing experience as they fall within the medium range.
When it comes to the bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams of force to fully press the keys, which is slightly heavier than the Duck switch's 58 gram bottom out force. This means that the Ginger Milk provides a more substantial typing experience in terms of the force required to fully press the keys.
The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. Some individuals may prefer the Ginger Milk for its medium-heavy weight, which can provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Duck, as its bottom out force of 58 grams falls within the medium range.
Considering the weight of the switches is crucial, as it impacts typing stamina. Lighter switches, like the Duck, are often preferred by individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who appreciate a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ginger Milk more suitable.
In summary, the Ginger Milk linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk is slightly heavier, requiring 50 grams of actuation force and 63.5 grams of bottom out force, while the exact actuation force of the Duck switch is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams. Both switches offer a medium typing experience, but the Ginger Milk provides a more substantial and satisfying feel due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have different travel distances. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so if responsiveness is a priority, the Ginger Milk would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing a key, the Duck with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the travel distance.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star Duck switches have a neutral profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user and whether you use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switches are described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Duck switches are characterized as mild, offering a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Duck switches are also described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Ginger Milk switches provide a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, as well as a muted and snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility. Their sound profile is clean and crispy due to their neutral characteristics, as well as their buttery and polished qualities. Both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, with the Ginger Milk being a bit smoother and softer, while the Duck offers a gentler tactility. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, along with a muted, snappy sound profile, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a seamless and effortless typing experience, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced typists. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch would be the perfect option. These switches provide a mild and buttery feel, which is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Duck switches have a polished finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on your personal preference for the typing experience you desire.
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