Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as popular options with unique characteristics. The Ginger Milk switch is a linear switch, known for its soft and pastel appearance, offering a silky smooth typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch by Aflion is a tactile switch, featuring a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel of 63.5g bottom-out. Both switches are categorized in terms of feel and sound, with the Ginger Milk being described as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', while the Thunder Shadow is labeled as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. So, why choose one over the other? The Ginger Milk switch provides a gentle and smooth typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a soft touch, while the Thunder Shadow switch offers a more tactile feedback with a balanced feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sound experience and aesthetic appeal, as clear housings are often associated with this material.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Ginger Milk and Thunder Shadow both feature nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This choice of material for the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Ginger Milk and Thunder Shadow differ in their bottom housing material, the consistency of polycarbonate in their top housing ensures that both switches will provide a similar sound profile when pressed or released. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in these switches offers a balanced typing experience with a focus on sound clarity and resonance. Whether typing on the Ginger Milk or the Thunder Shadow, users can expect a satisfying sound experience thanks to the carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy as well. This means that both switches will offer a similar resistance when typing, resulting in a comparable typing experience in terms of force required. When it comes to weight preferences, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Ginger Milk switch due to its slightly lighter actuation force, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Thunder Shadow switch or feel the difference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a more immediate and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for 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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 profile, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch fall into the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ginger Milk is known for its buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow offers an invigorating feel with a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight bottom-out force of 63.5g. The Thunder Shadow aims to strike a harmonious balance between tactility and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Ginger Milk and Thunder Shadow switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Ginger Milk provides a silky smooth typing experience with a muted and snappy sound profile, the Thunder Shadow offers a more pronounced tactile feedback and a medium weight feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound. However, if the user is looking for a neutral sound profile or a smooth and fluid typing sensation, they can expect similar results from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it really comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and softer typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Ginger Milk switch may be more suited to your taste. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance between weight and feedback, the Thunder Shadow switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, making them suitable for a wide range of typing needs. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a switch and choose accordingly.
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