Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two notable options in the linear category are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Ginger Milk switches are celebrated for their soft, pastel feel, providing a silky smooth typing experience coupled with a muted, snappy sound profile that many find appealing for both work and leisure. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, offers a tactile satisfaction with its subtle top-out and crisp clack, complemented by HMX's renowned factory lubrication that ensures a seamless keystroke. While both switches promise a delightful typing experience, the Ginger Milk leans towards a more approachable and neutral feel, whereas the Sunset Gleam caters to those seeking a bit more auditory feedback and satisfying tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Sunset Gleam switches, it is clear that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a distinctly similar sound profile. The polycarbonate material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This feature is particularly advantageous when it comes to enhancing the clarity and resonance of the switch's audio feedback—the brighter tones that are often favored in typing experiences. Additionally, both switches leverage the translucency of polycarbonate, enhancing the aesthetic aspect when RGB lighting is employed, which allows for a vibrant and visually appealing illumination effect.

On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches utilizes nylon, marking a crucial distinction in the overall sound profile during use. Nylon is noted for its softer, more absorbent qualities, allowing it to dampen sound more effectively than harder plastics. This contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, which contrasts with the crisper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Thus, while the Ginger Milk and Sunset Gleam might share a bright and clear sound when keys are released, the quality of sound produced when typing will be fundamentally different due to the nylon bottom housing's ability to render a rounder and more subdued sound.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials in both switches reinforces a remarkable synergy in sound qualities—while they possess shades of difference in auditory feedback, their overall characteristics create a balanced typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing excels in elevating the treble notes of key releases, while the nylon bottom housing ensures that the keystroke impact feels grounded and resonant. Whether one opts for the Ginger Milk or the Sunset Gleam, the blend of polycarbonate and nylon renders an engaging soundscape, resulting in an experience that is both satisfying and aesthetically pleasing, particularly for users passionate about RGB lighting effects.

Weight

The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Ginger Milk switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk requires more force to actuate and bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience sought after by those who prefer a heavier push feel. Conversely, the lighter Sunset Gleam switch offers an easier keystroke, which many gamers or workers may appreciate during long typing sessions. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches, the Sunset Gleam is the better choice, while the Ginger Milk is ideal for those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk switch provides a little more depth when pressed, which may cater to users who appreciate a more substantial feel. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam switch, with its shorter travel distance, can offer swifter response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking rapid actuation. Although both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, the Jwick Ginger Milk is the longer option, giving it a more traditional feel compared to the quicker actuation of the Sunset Gleam.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch provides a muted and snappy sound profile, which creates a pleasant auditory experience free from excessive noise, making it suitable for both work and leisure environments. This neutral sound makes it versatile for users ranging from beginners to advanced typists. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is characterized by a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack thanks to its blend of materials and excellent factory lube. This difference means the Sunset Gleam may provide a bit more auditory feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with their keystrokes.

In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is known for its buttery smoothness, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience. This characteristic makes it particularly comfortable for extended periods of typing, as it minimizes fatigue. The tactile sensation is soft, inviting, and consistent, which can help users maintain a natural typing rhythm. Unfortunately, specific details concerning the feel of the Sunset Gleam switch are not provided, but its description emphasizes a satisfying clack during operation, suggesting a level of responsiveness that will appeal to many typists.

Overall, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches deliver distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Ginger Milk offers a softer, more muted sound and a fluid feel, the Sunset Gleam leans toward a more pronounced acoustic feedback with a quality construction that enhances the typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either of these switches may satisfy your typing needs, making it easier for newcomers to appreciate the subtleties between them.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth action, featuring a muted sound profile that lends itself well to both casual and professional environments, the Ginger Milk is an excellent option. Its 63.5 grams bottom-out force and buttery feel make it particularly suited for those who enjoy a tactile experience over longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter key feel and appreciate a more pronounced sound signature with satisfying top-out feedback, the Sunset Gleam with its 48 grams bottom-out force might be more to your liking. Its subtle clack and excellent factory lubrication provide an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, consider how you want to engage with your keyboard—whether you prioritize a heavier, more muted feel or a lighter, more lively response—as this will guide you to the right switch for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more