Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as two appealing options, both classified as linear switches but offering distinct experiences. The Ginger Milk is celebrated for its soft, pastel aesthetic and delivers a silky smooth typing feel, complemented by a muted yet snappy sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a gentle touch while typing and prefer a quieter operating environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience paired with a resonant sound profile that some users may find more satisfying and tactile. Users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing might lean towards the Tomcat. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you seek a buttery, serene typing session with the Ginger Milk or a more vibrant sound with the Tomcat. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, high-pitched tones, and crispness. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, contributing to a more resonant audio experience. This shared material choice means that users of either switch can expect a clear sound, especially beneficial when RGB lighting is incorporated. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housings not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also allows for vibrant lighting effects that can elevate the overall look of a keyboard, creating a visually stunning and acoustically engaging typing environment.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon. This choice yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties, which help absorb sound rather than reflect it. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a cushioned typing experience, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound upon bottoming out. The similarities in bottom housing material indicate that both switches are designed to offer users a smooth and satisfying keystroke, with the nylon absorbing noise and adding to the overall acoustic profile, further enriching the typing experience.
Though the top and bottom housings differ in material, the Ginger Milk and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) benefit from complementary sound attributes. The polycarbonate top contributes a brilliant crispness to the auditory profile, while the nylon bottom modifies the acoustic experience, softening the overall sound during key presses and releases. When typing, users will feel the distinction in the qualities provided by both materials; the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out feel, resulting in a deeply satisfying keystroke, while the polycarbonate top enhances the sound upon release. Ultimately, both switches deliver a harmonious blend of sharpness and depth, creating an engaging experience for typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, both switches exhibit similar characteristics yet exhibit slight differences in force requirements. The Ginger Milk switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams. This makes the Ginger Milk lighter in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users looking for a keyboard that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a firmer push, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the Tomcat (Heavy) ultimately provides a little more resistance, making it the heavier option overall. Users can expect a similar overall experience, but the difference in actuation force may influence comfort and preference based on individual typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ginger Milk the longer option by 0.1 mm. For gamers or users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be a more appealing choice due to its shorter travel distance, which could facilitate quicker reactions. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial key press may prefer the Ginger Milk switch for its deeper travel. In summary, the difference in travel distance is minimal, but it does cater to different user preferences; if rapid response is essential, the Tomcat is ideal, while the Ginger Milk may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who enjoy greater depth.
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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch offers a muted and snappy profile that strikes a balance between being pleasantly unobtrusive and clear enough for audible feedback. This neutral sound profile makes it quite versatile, allowing it to perform well in a variety of settings, whether at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a resonant sound profile that adds a layer of depth to the auditory experience. While it may not have a detailed description, resonant sounds often carry a more pronounced and fuller tone than neutral switches, which can enhance the overall typing experience. It’s important to note that factors like your choice of keyboard and keycaps can also significantly influence how these sounds are perceived.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its buttery experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke that can make long typing sessions feel effortless. This design encourages comfortable typing, which could benefit those who spend extended periods at their keyboards. The Tomcat (Heavy), featuring Ly stems, is also noted for delivering a super smooth typing experience, a quality that aligns with the expectations for a linear switch. While we don't have specific descriptors for its tactile feel, the emphasis on smoothness suggests that both switches could yield a similarly satisfying experience in terms of keystroke fluidity.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches offer unique yet appealing auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk is great for those who appreciate a softer, more pastel-like touch with muted sounds, making it ideal for quieter environments. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a more resonant feedback alongside its smooth keystroke. Ultimately, while you'll experience different sound qualities from both, both switches excel in delivering a buttery and smooth keystroke feel, ensuring a delightful typing experience regardless of which one you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a smooth and approachable typing experience, with a muted sound profile that blends well in both quiet and bustling environments, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its buttery feel and neutral sound make it suitable for various tasks, whether you're a newcomer or an experienced typist. On the other hand, if you prefer a more resonant sound profile and the exceptional smoothness provided by the Ly stems, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a slightly firmer bottom-out force that may enhance your gaming or productivity experiences. It’s important to consider what typing experiences resonate with you; the Ginger Milk suits those who enjoy a soft, pastel feel, while the Tomcat (Heavy) may appeal to you if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback in your keystrokes. Ultimately, try to envision how you will use your mechanical keyboard, as well as your auditory and tactile preferences, to make the best decision for your needs.