Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Jwick Taro. While both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience, they differ in certain aspects. The Ginger Milk is a linear switch known for its soft and pastel appearance, which reflects the smooth and approachable push feel it provides. The typing experience with Ginger Milk switches can be described as silky smooth, with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that, much like its cozy subdued color scheme, offers a comfortable typing experience. It provides a medium-level of tactility, resulting in a snappy feeling, and produces acute and crisp clacks. Both switches fall under the "Neutral" and "Buttery" categories, but the Taro also includes the additional categorization of "Stepped." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Jwick Taro, particularly the polycarbonate top housing, exhibit similar characteristics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an aesthetically pleasing appearance, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are seeking similar sound qualities and visual effects, both the Ginger Milk and Taro switches offer comparable results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Ginger Milk employs nylon while the Taro utilizes the same nylon material. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. It achieves this by being relatively softer and absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users of both the Ginger Milk and Taro switches can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the sound profile generated, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall feel and sound of a switch. While the Ginger Milk and Taro differ in their top and bottom housing materials, the qualities associated with each material are still evident. When you press down on a switch, the impact and bottom-out sound are influenced more by the bottom housing. Conversely, the sound when you release a key is more influenced by the top housing material. Thus, users can expect slight variations in the typing experience depending on the specific housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are a few similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Ginger Milk is rated at 50 grams, while the Taro's actuation force is unknown. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category for bottom out force, with the Ginger Milk requiring 63.5 grams and the Taro requiring 67 grams.
In terms of weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Ginger Milk, as it allows for extended typing periods without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force could be ideal for those who use their keyboards for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a heavier switch to provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Taro's slightly higher bottom out force may be more suitable.
It's important to note that since the actuation force of the Taro is unavailable, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of actuation force. However, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for their bottom out forces, indicating a similar level of force required to fully press the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and the Taro will depend on individual preferences. Users seeking a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Ginger Milk, while those looking for a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience may opt for the Taro.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, and interestingly, the Jwick Taro tactile switch also has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that both switches provide an equal amount of travel distance, which is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same level of distance traveled. This can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a consistent typing experience or for those who like the tactile feedback of the Taro switch but desire the shorter travel distance typically associated with linear switches. Overall, both the Ginger Milk linear switch and the Taro tactile switch offer a similar travel distance, providing users with a familiar typing experience regardless of their preference for linear or tactile switches.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
The subjective qualities of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch can be compared in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, both the Ginger Milk and Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate level of sound, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or work. 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.
Moving on to feel, both the Ginger Milk and Taro switches are described as having a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless feel. However, the Taro switch also has a stepped characteristic, which means it provides a tactile sensation with two stages. Compared to hypertactile switches with a larger bump throughout the keystroke, the Taro switch offers a milder tactile feedback where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer a soft typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. They both have a moderate actuation force requirement and provide a smooth and fluid keystroke. While the Ginger Milk focuses solely on the smoothness, the Taro adds a mild tactile feedback with its stepped characteristic. In terms of sound and feel, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound and a buttery feel, the Ginger Milk would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with the same neutral sound profile but additionally want a stepped tactile feedback, the Taro switch would be a good option. Ultimately, the final choice depends on your personal preferences and typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a soft and pastel appearance, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a silky smooth and approachable typing experience, with a muted and snappy sound profile. They have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. Additionally, the Ginger Milk switches are described as having a buttery feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In terms of sound, they are considered neutral, making them suitable for various uses and skill levels.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a cozy and subdued color scheme, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a good fit. These switches offer a snappy and medium-level of tactility, producing acute and crisp clacks when typing. They also have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. Like the Ginger Milk switches, the Taro switches are described as having a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Taro switches have a stepped tactile feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and Taro switches depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound. Both switches have similar bottom out forces and are considered neutral in terms of sound profile. However, the Ginger Milk switches offer a softer and more pastel appearance, while the Taro switches have a cozier color scheme. Consider your desired level of tactility and whether you prefer a purely buttery feel or a stepped tactile feel when making your decision. Whichever switch you choose, both the Ginger Milk and Taro switches provide a pleasant typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your personal preferences in terms of look, feel, and sound.
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