Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Twilight stand out for their unique characteristics and typing experiences, both of which cater to different preferences. The Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its soft, pastel aesthetics and provides a silky smooth and approachable typing feel, complemented by a muted yet snappy sound profile. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more neutral, buttery experience that balances tactile feedback with a quieter environment. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which results in a slightly quieter typing experience while still maintaining the signature clacky sound typical of HMX switches. This makes it suitable for users who enjoy a fuller travel without compromising on acoustics. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a smooth and soft feel or a more extended travel with a characteristic sound. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Twilight, the most significant difference lies in their top housings: the Ginger Milk uses polycarbonate, while the Twilight employs nylon. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that can enhance clarity and resonance during typing. This is particularly beneficial when using RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, creating a visually appealing aesthetic. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Twilight absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience. This richer sound is often described as duller and rounder, emphasizing the difference in auditory qualities between the two materials.
Despite their contrasting top housing materials, both the Ginger Milk and Twilight switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, which in both cases is made of nylon. This similarity means that, regardless of the sound profile created by the top housing, the bottom housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. As a result, both switches will exhibit similar qualities in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. The soft nature of nylon ensures that both switches maintain a consistent auditory signature upon actuation, thus offering users a satisfying typing experience that is compounded by familiarity in interaction.
The interplay of these materials indicates that while the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Twilight produce different sound profiles during typing—sharp and crisp versus deep and full—these differences are balanced by the similarly constructed nylon bottom housings. This dual-material approach allows users to appreciate the distinct characteristics of each switch while ensuring a consistent feel and response at the bottom of the keypress. Consequently, regardless of whether a user prefers the crispness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon, both switches ultimately provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience when the qualities of the top and bottom housings combine.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present a distinct contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Ginger Milk features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Twilight offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This difference in weight results in the Twilight being the lighter switch, while the Ginger Milk is heavier, best for users seeking resistance and feedback in their keypresses. Ultimately, while both switches serve their purpose in typing performance, their differing force specifications suggest that users should consider their own preferences for weight and tactile feedback to choose the most appropriate switch for their needs.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Ginger Milk measuring 3.7 mm and the Twilight measuring 3.85 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Twilight, with its longer travel distance, may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in each keystroke. The difference of 0.15 mm may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the overall typing experience—shorter distances can feel more abrupt and detached, while longer distances offer a more satisfying depth for users who appreciate that sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in typing.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 linear switch features a muted and snappy sound profile that offers a neutral auditory experience, making it versatile enough for both beginners and experienced typists alike. This moderate sound level is ideal for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office, as it does not disrupt others while still providing audible feedback. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch produces a slightly quieter sound due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which helps to dampen noise. While the Twilight maintains a more clacky characteristic typical of HMX switches, it is important to remember that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and selected keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is celebrated for its buttery experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke that enhances typing comfort. This seamless interaction offers an effortless typing sensation that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch does not have a specified feel, so its tactile characteristics remain unknown. Therefore, potential users may not have a clear picture of how it compares to the Ginger Milk in terms of touch experience.
In summary, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Twilight linear switches present unique sound profiles and differing experiences. The Ginger Milk is characterized by its muted auditory feedback and buttery keystroke feel, making it suitable for various environments, while the Twilight switch offers a quieter sound with potential clacky notes. However, the tactile characteristics of the Twilight are not detailed, leaving a gap in comparison on that front. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences but may deliver enjoyable typing experiences depending on individual taste and application.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience characterized by a silky smooth feel and a muted sound, then the Ginger Milk is likely your best bet. This switch is particularly suitable for those who enjoy a softer, pastel-like aesthetic in their typing experience and appreciate a balance of tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, making it ideal for both home and work environments. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with quicker actuation, the HMX Twilight switch would be more suitable for you. With its extended travel distance and slightly quieter characteristics, it offers a distinctive clacky sound profile that many typists appreciate, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a more muted, buttery feel or a lighter, more responsive action coupled with the signature sound of HMX switches.
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