Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two options that stand out are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. The Ginger Milk, categorized as soft and pastel, offers a typing experience characterized by its silky smooth actuation and a muted, snappy sound profile. This linear switch is ideal for those who favor a seamless keystroke and a quieter work environment, making it excellent for both gaming and typing tasks. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB presents a tactile experience, blending deep "thock" sounds with a sharp tactile bump, which provides not only auditory satisfaction but also a luxurious feel during use. This switch appeals to typists who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keystroke, making it perfect for those who value precision in their typing. Each switch offers unique advantages tailored to different preferences, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your typing style. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches feature distinctly different housing materials for their respective top and bottom components, leading to varied auditory experiences when typing. The Ginger Milk employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This combination results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that emphasizes clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This material's softer composition produces a more mellow sound, contributing to a deeper tone that contrasts with the crispness of the Ginger Milk. The choice of top housing directly influences how light can pass through, making the Ginger Milk particularly appealing for RGB lighting applications due to its clear polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches embrace softness as a fundamental characteristic to enhance the sound profile. The Ginger Milk's nylon bottom housing lends a classic touch, producing a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more impacts and preventing excess vibrations. In comparison, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB bottom housing also utilizes the proprietary "boba plastic," which mirrors the softness of nylon and similarly contributes to a rich sound profile. Despite the different materials used for the top housings, the softness in the bottom components of both switches allows for a deep, rounded sound, suggesting that users may achieve a comparable sound experience when bottoming out the switches, regardless of the specific material.
Overall, while the Ginger Milk and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches differ in their top housing materials—resulting in distinct sound profiles—their bottom housings share a similar philosophy that promotes deeper auditory qualities. The interplay between the materials in the top and bottom housings of both switches underscores how the sound characteristics can be tailored through specific designs. In practice, this means that the decisive factors for users will be their individual preferences for either the sharper sound clarity of polycarbonate or the richer tone of "boba plastic" in the top housing configuration, while enjoying similar deeper tones from both switches when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find some differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Ginger Milk switch has a specified actuation force of 50 grams, making it relatively lighter and more comfortable for extended use, while its bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which suggests it may require a similar amount of force at its maximum depth. Although both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, the figures suggest that the Ginger Milk switch is slightly lighter overall, providing an easier typing experience for those who prioritize comfort during long sessions. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch for typing or gaming, the Jwick Ginger Milk is the better choice, while the Gazzew U4Tx may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel, albeit without a defined actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it's clear that the Ginger Milk offers a slightly longer travel distance at 3.7 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm makes the Ginger Milk the switch for those who might appreciate a more pronounced key press, as it provides a bit more depth. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its shorter travel distance, is better suited for users seeking a quicker response, particularly favored by gamers. This subtle disparity highlights the preference for personal touch in switch selection; if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the U4Tx RGB is the way to go, while the Ginger Milk offers a more engaging depth for those who enjoy a hearty key press.
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50 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 evaluating the sound of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, its profile can be characterized as neutral, featuring a muted yet snappy quality. This balance makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're typing away at home or in a professional setting; the moderate sound level does not intrude into your surroundings while still providing auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a more pronounced auditory experience, distinguished by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, complemented by the stealthy sound of the switch topping out. This will cater to those who appreciate a richer tonal profile while still keeping noise levels manageable. However, both sound characteristics can be influenced by variables like board construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is renowned for its buttery smoothness, providing a seamless keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience. This smoothness allows for a frictionless interaction, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable over longer periods. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump, creating a pronounced feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience by making each keystroke feel deliberate and precise. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences; one favors silky smoothness and the other emphasizes tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences that appeal to differing typing preferences. The Ginger Milk's neutral sound and buttery feel make it a versatile choice, while the U4Tx RGB delivers a luxurious typing experience defined by its deep sound and tactile feedback. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, but they will do so in unique ways that define their character.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you gravitate toward a smooth and gentle typing experience, the Ginger Milk is a fantastic option. Its softer feel and muted sound profile make it well-suited for quieter environments, like an office or shared space, where you want to maintain a level of discretion. The buttery keystroke helps create a seamless experience that's especially pleasing for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback with a rich sound profile and are looking for a more pronounced typing sensation, the U4Tx RGB could be your ideal choice. The sharp tactile bump coupled with the deep "thock" sound adds a premium feel to each keystroke, making it suitable for both gaming and extensive typing without sacrificing auditory enjoyment. Ultimately, consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your unique typing style and environment.