Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your overall typing or gaming experience. The Jwick Ginger Milk switch, with its soft and pastel design, offers a typing experience characterized by a silky smooth feel and a muted, snappy sound profile—a perfect match for those who appreciate a more subdued and neutral touch. Its 'buttery' characteristics make it appealing for long typing sessions, catering to users who value comfort and a gentle push feel. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for lightning-fast key presses and rapid-fire actions. This switch is known for its 'clacky' and invigorating sound, delivering an exciting auditory feedback that enhances the gaming experience. While both switches cater to distinct users—Ginger Milk appealing to typists seeking comfort and a muted sound, and Vintage Citrus targeting gamers in need of speed and responsiveness—each has its merits depending on your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's perfect for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase distinct sonic characteristics due to the differences in their top materials. The Ginger Milk features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile owing to its stiffness. This quality allows for a more resonant and clear tonal experience, making it particularly suitable for configurations that utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, a material that is celebrated for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition absorbs sound waves more efficiently, creating a rounder and less piercing sound, which creates a more muted auditory experience compared to the crispness of polycarbonate.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon as their bottom housing material. This similarity means that, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both the Ginger Milk and Vintage Citrus will have shared acoustic properties in their bottom end. As nylon is a classic switch housing material, both switches benefit from the sound absorption qualities and depth that this softer plastic provides. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel across both switches will exhibit a similar richness and warmth, because the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the top and bottom housing materials shape the overall typing experience. While the Ginger Milk offers a sharp sound during key release facilitated by its polycarbonate top, the deeper bottom-out sound from its nylon bottom balances it out. The Vintage Citrus, meanwhile, channels both its top and bottom with the mellow characteristics of nylon, providing a cohesive auditory experience per keypress. However, the differences in sound profile between the two top housings will play a significant role in how each switch feels and sounds during use, allowing users to choose between the crisp clarity of the Ginger Milk or the rich fullness of the Vintage Citrus based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is lighter, with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. Hence, the Vintage Citrus provides a gentler typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Ginger Milk, being the heavier of the two, offers a more substantial feel, which can be preferable for users seeking tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches offer distinct characteristics in their force measurements, the Ginger Milk is the heavier option, providing a firmer typing experience compared to the lighter Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their travel distances, with the Ginger Milk featuring a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures slightly less at 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often favored for their speed. Conversely, the Ginger Milk's 3.7 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more measured typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference: if you favor a brisk and responsive keypress, the Vintage Citrus could be the better fit, while those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate actuation may opt for the Ginger Milk.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 switch presents a neutral profile, characterized by its muted and snappy tones that fit various environments, whether in a home office or a gaming setup. This makes it a versatile choice, especially for those who may not want excessive noise disrupting their environment. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch delivers a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and bright sound with each keypress. This crisper and percussive sound is particularly appealing to gamers who appreciate auditory feedback that can enhance their gaming experience. However, it is important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard construction, including the choice of board and keycaps, making every user’s experience potentially different.
In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is renowned for its buttery smoothness, providing a fluid and seamless keystroke experience that is both soft and approachable. This can make long typing sessions feel effortless, perfect for users who prioritize comfort and an easy typing experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed to be snappy and invigorating, with a rapid actuation force of just 1mm that caters to gamers seeking quick, responsive feedback. This invigorating feel, characterized by pronounced feedback and a more reactive typing experience, can make each keystroke feel more alive and engaging compared to the gentle softness of the Ginger Milk.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Ginger Milk’s neutral sound and buttery feel cater to comfort and versatility, ideal for everyday typing tasks. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus excels in delivering an energizing and quick response, making it particularly suitable for gaming scenarios where rapid inputs take precedence. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, and users can expect significantly different experiences when choosing one over the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you seek a type of switch that offers a soft and approachable feel while maintaining a balanced sound profile, the Ginger Milk is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for both casual typing and office environments, where a muted yet engaging experience can enhance focus. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid-response gaming or enjoy a more lively typing experience, the Vintage Citrus with its lower actuation force of just 53 grams is designed for you. Its bright, clacky sound and snappy feel cater to fast-paced inputs, perfect for gamers looking for that immediate tactile feedback. By aligning your choice with your primary typing tasks—whether they lean more towards casual use, productivity, or competitive gaming—you can ensure a satisfying experience with the right switch.
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