Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Huano Strawberry Latte 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 Huano Strawberry Latte both offer compelling options for users who prefer linear switches, yet they bring distinct characteristics to the table. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft pastel tones, which translate into a typing experience that feels silky smooth and approachable. With a muted, snappy sound profile and a neutral, buttery feel, these switches cater to those who appreciate a gentler touch combined with satisfying responsiveness. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte switches leverage state-of-the-art molds from Huano, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke accompanied by a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes them a great choice for users who desire a seamless typing experience without the distraction of excessive noise. Both switches excel in their own right, offering unique advantages; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Huano Strawberry Latte, we see a distinct difference in their top housing materials but a similarity in their bottom housing. The Ginger Milk utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. This quality is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for clearer sound resonance. Furthermore, its translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal for users who prioritize visuals alongside auditory feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK material, or polyketone, for its top housing. While POK provides a smoother typing experience and impressive durability, it does not replicate the expected sound characteristics of polycarbonate, which could result in a bolder auditory profile.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is constructed from nylon. Nylon's acoustic properties are well-known: it produces a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound instead of reflecting it. This absorption leads to a rounder sound profile when the key bottoms out. Given that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, typists will experience a consistency in the depth and fullness of sound during key actuation. It is evident that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, users can expect a similarly rich auditory experience when typing, attributed to the nylon commonality.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housings with the same nylon bottom housing in both switches leads to a unique interplay of sound characteristics. The Ginger Milk's polycarbonate upper enhances the clarity of the audibility, while the Strawberry Latte's POK material aims for smoothness and durability. Both materials bring distinctive attributes that ultimately affect the typing experience differently. However, the shared nylon component ensures that the foundational acoustic experience remains consistent across both switches, allowing users to appreciate the depth of sound while distinguishing the nuances imparted by their respective top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which can offer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This means that while the Ginger Milk switch demands a stronger push, the Strawberry Latte provides an easier keystroke, appealing to different preferences. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better choice, whereas the Jwick Ginger Milk is ideal for those who enjoy a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Ginger Milk switch having a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the shorter option, offering gamers the potential for faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Ginger Milk, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced feel as you press down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the choice between them ultimately hinges on whether one values speed or depth in their keystrokes.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 switch produces a muted, snappy sound profile that is characterized by its neutral quality. This makes the switch versatile enough for various environments, whether you're composing emails at work or gaming at home. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This means that both switches are designed to create a pleasant auditory experience, though the Ginger Milk may be more suitable for quieter settings while the Strawberry Latte allows for a bit more presence without overwhelming the senses.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery typing experience, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke that allows for an effortless typing sensation. This provides a comfortable and engaging experience, especially during extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, while the specifics of the feel for the Strawberry Latte are not detailed, the mention of its smoothness suggests that it also prioritizes a pleasant typing experience, aligning it with the soft and seamless nature of the Ginger Milk switch. Therefore, users can expect a high-quality tactile experience regardless of their choice.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer distinctive yet complementary typing experiences. The Ginger Milk is characterized by its muted, neutral sound and buttery feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a soft and smooth typing experience. The Strawberry Latte, with its balanced sound profile and smooth operation, provides a similarly enjoyable experience, but with a bit more auditory presence. Ultimately, either choice will yield a delightful and efficient typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can find satisfaction in both options based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a noticeable push and enjoy a buttery, smooth keystroke, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its muted, snappy sound profile makes it suitable for both home and work environments, giving you a balance of tactile satisfaction without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a seamlessly smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Latte would be more suitable for you. With its lower actuation force, it's great for rapid typing sequences, making it ideal for gaming or extensive writing sessions where comfort is key. Both switches have their strengths, so consider your priorities, whether it be sound, feel, or actuation force, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.