Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available to suit every typing preference. Two standout switches are the Jwick Ginger Milk, a linear switch, and the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch. The Ginger Milk switches are renowned for their soft and pastel aesthetics, reflecting the typing experience they offer. With a silky smooth and approachable push feel, coupled with a muted yet snappy sound profile, these switches exude a sense of tranquility. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches are exciting in their own right, boasting a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump that adds a burst of satisfaction to each keystroke. Furthermore, these switches provide an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, truly elevating the typing experience. To top it all off, the U4s have a whisper-quiet sound profile, marrying style with subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Ginger Milk focuses on a sharper sound, the U4 prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Ginger Milk employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and duller sound experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing. Just like the top housing, this "boba plastic" contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches share a similar goal of offering a deep sound, though achieved through different materials.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play distinct roles in sound production and tactile feedback. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Ginger Milk, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. As a result, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ginger Milk imparts a distinct sharpness and clarity to the sound upon key release, while the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend offers a softer and richer sound in the same scenario.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are a few noticeable differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Ginger Milk is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the U4 is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the U4 may be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force can allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial and satisfying keystroke feel is desired, the Ginger Milk's heavier actuation force provides a stronger push. This can give a more tactile and pronounced typing experience for those who enjoy the feeling of a more forceful keystroke.

In terms of bottom out force, both switches are relatively similar. The Ginger Milk has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Although the difference is minimal, those who tend to press the keys all the way down may find the Ginger Milk's slightly higher bottom out force to be more suitable for their typing style.

Overall, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences. The Ginger Milk provides a medium-heavy actuation force for a stronger push, while the U4 offers a lighter actuation force for a lighter typing experience. However, both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces, ensuring that users will achieve comparable results in terms of pressing the keys all the way down.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the Ginger Milk has a slightly longer distance of 3.7 mm compared to the U4's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. Therefore, if a faster and more responsive experience is preferred, the Ginger Milk would be the suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deep key press, the U4's slightly shorter travel distance may feel less abrupt. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the desired level of key press depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offers a muted and snappy sound profile. This means that when typing with these switches, you can expect a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The low-pitched sound of the Ginger Milk adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its whisper-quiet sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the U4 has a low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, although the U4 may have a slightly more subdued sound. The actual sound you'll perceive will also depend on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you use.

In terms of feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel. This switch offers a buttery typing experience, meaning that you'll experience a smooth and fluid keystroke. The Ginger Milk switch ensures a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. These switches have a high feedback intensity, and you'll distinctly feel the strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. The U4 switch provides an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding an extra layer of comfort to your typing experience. Both switches offer unique and enjoyable tactile sensations, with the U4 providing a more pronounced and intense bump compared to the Ginger Milk.

In conclusion, the Jwick Ginger Milk and Gazzew U4 switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ginger Milk linear switch provides a muted and snappy sound profile, along with a buttery and smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a whisper-quiet sound profile with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Additionally, the U4 switch provides a felt-like bottom-out sensation. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Ginger Milk may be a better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a plush bottom-out sensation, the U4 would be a great option. Keep in mind that you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel by pairing either switch with the appropriate keyboard and keycaps. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a moderate actuation force and a moderate sound profile, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be a great choice. These soft and pastel switches provide a silky smooth and approachable push feel, along with a muted, snappy sound profile. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users and can be used at home or work.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and have a whisper quiet sound profile. The U4s marry style with subtlety, providing a typing experience that is both satisfying and quiet.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ginger Milk and U4 switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a buttery and uniform typing experience, go for the Ginger Milk. If you crave a sharp and intense tactile feedback, opt for the U4. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more