Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX SU both belong to the linear switch category, yet they offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Jwick Ginger Milk is celebrated for its soft, pastel feel, providing a silky smooth and approachable typing experience complemented by a muted and snappy sound profile. This makes it ideal for those who seek a gentle yet responsive touch, perfect for quiet environments or prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, produces a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, making it attractive for users who enjoy a more grounded auditory feedback while they type. While both switches prioritize smoothness and linear characteristics, the Ginger Milk leans towards a softer, more nuanced typing feel, while the SU offers a firmer, deeper auditory experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX SU, a clear distinction emerges between the top housings. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material’s stiffness results in a more resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate clarity in their keypresses. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which adds a layer of visual appeal that complements the auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX SU employs nylon for its top housing. This material's softer nature contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, which tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. While both housings serve functional purposes, their differing sound profiles create unique auditory experiences for the user.
Both the Ginger Milk and the HMX SU utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which presents a fascinating aspect of their structural similarities. Nylon is favored in switch designs for its sound-dampening properties that result in a rounded and subdued sound during key presses. This consistency in the bottom housing suggests that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when bottoming out, characterized by a softer landing and a deeper resonant sound. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housings, users can expect a level of acoustic uniformity when engaging the keys on either switch, making them well-suited for those who prefer a muted typing experience.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top housings between the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX SU highlight how each switch is tailored to different auditory preferences. While the polycarbonate of the Ginger Milk offers a brighter, more vivid sound that can be particularly striking with RGB illumination, the nylon top housing of the HMX SU contributes to a more robust and mellow typing experience. Nevertheless, with both models featuring similar nylon bottom housings, the overall bottom-out experience will remain cohesive, blending the sharpness of the polycarbonate and the richness of the nylon to create a unique and satisfying interaction with each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Ginger Milk switch boasts an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX SU switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the SU switch not only easier to press but also results in less strain during extended typing or gaming sessions, appealing to those who favor lighter keys. Meanwhile, the Ginger Milk switch, with its more substantial actuation and bottom out forces, may be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more tactile typing experience. Thus, individuals leaning towards a lighter feel should opt for the HMX SU switch, while those seeking a heftier typing experience might favor the Jwick Ginger Milk.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there's a slight but notable difference. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX SU measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the HMX SU the shorter switch by 0.1 mm. For users who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the HMX SU may be more appealing, aligning with the trend towards faster actuation favored by gamers. However, those who appreciate a more substantial key feel might prefer the Ginger Milk's longer travel distance, as it provides a bit more depth with each key press. Ultimately, both switches offer a modern solution for various preferences, but the choice will depend on whether one values quickness or cushioned feedback.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 delivers a muted, snappy profile that leans towards a neutral sound signature. This characteristic makes it versatile enough for varied environments, whether for a typical office setting or quieter home use. The sound is balanced, catering well to users who expect a moderate sound output without overwhelming their surroundings. In contrast, the HMX SU switch offers a more subtle, deeper sound, thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. While the specifics of its sound profile are less detailed, the expectation of a deeper tone suggests a sound that may be satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback without being overly loud.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is characterized by a buttery experience, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke that enhances the overall typing sensation. This kind of feedback is enjoyable and makes prolonged typing comfortable, as it minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX SU switch remains unspecified in the available information, which leaves questions about its tactile feedback and smoothness. However, users familiar with the general characteristics of linear switches might anticipate that it offers a pleasant typing experience as well.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX SU linear switches offer unique sound profiles and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk excels with its muted, snappy sound and buttery smooth touch, providing an approachable experience for all types of users. While the HMX SU emphasizes a deeper sound, its tactile qualities remain unclear, necessitating hands-on experience for a complete assessment. Ultimately, those seeking a smooth, satisfying typing experience will find options in both switches, with the Ginger Milk being more established and recognized for its specific qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force that provides a more tactile and controlled experience, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its buttery smooth feel and muted sound profile make it suitable for both home and work environments, allowing you to type quietly yet enjoyably. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter switch for faster typing speeds or extended gaming sessions, the HMX SU may be the better option. With its lower bottom-out force and deep sound profile, it offers a more relaxed typing experience that can prevent finger fatigue during long hours of use. Ultimately, consider the context in which you’ll be using the keyboard, as well as whether you prefer a more substantial feel or a lightweight touch, to make the best choice between these two appealing switches.
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