Jwick Ginger Milk vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Ginger Milk switches are known for their soft and pastel aesthetics, which translate into a silky smooth typing experience. With a muted snappy sound profile, these linear switches offer a gentle push feel that is approachable and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. These tactile switches offer a pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, making them excellent choices for different preferences. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual experiences when using either the Ginger Milk or the Viola Tricolor switches.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Ginger Milk and the Viola Tricolor employ nylon. Nylon is a timeless choice for switch housing materials as it produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic contributes to a unique typing experience that enthusiasts might appreciate. Despite using the same material, the bottom housing of each switch provides distinct qualities that affect the bottom-out sound and feel during typing.
It is worth noting that if a switch features different top and bottom housings, such as the aforementioned Ginger Milk and Viola Tricolor, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This allows for more varied and nuanced auditory feedback depending on the stage of keypress, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Ginger Milk is 50 grams, whereas the exact actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy touch required to fully press the keys.
Consideration of weight is important when choosing a keyboard switch, as it can greatly impact typing experience and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Ginger Milk appealing, as it allows for typing over longer periods without strain. This makes it suitable for work-related tasks or extensive gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. The Ginger Milk's actuation force of 50 grams falls within a medium range, providing a reasonable amount of push feel. The Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unavailable, so it's difficult to directly compare, but its bottom out force aligns with the Ginger Milk at 63.5 grams, indicating a similar tactile experience.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Ginger Milk and Viola Tricolor may differ, their bottom out forces are the same. Therefore, those who prefer a medium-heavy touch will find both switches suitable. However, the Ginger Milk offers a specific actuation force of 50 grams, highlighting its potential for a lighter touch experience, while the exact actuation force of the Viola Tricolor remains unknown. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will guide the selection of the most suitable switch.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Ginger Milk with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Viola Tricolor with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences and desired typing experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is best known for its soft and pastel aesthetic, which translates into a silky smooth and approachable typing experience. When using these switches, you can expect a muted, snappy sound profile that adds a subtle character to your typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of depth and richness to your typing experience. These switches provide a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance for a satisfying feedback. While the Ginger Milk provides a neutral switch experience in terms of sound, the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches deliver a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming the user. It is neither scratchy nor hypertactile, offering a "medium tactile" experience. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor switch is invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, the Ginger Milk and Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ginger Milk provides a softer and more pastel typing experience with a neutral sound and a buttery feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound, along with a pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user. It provides an accented feel that is invigorating and creates an immersive typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to achieve the desired typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for sound and feel.
If you prefer a switch with a softer and pastel typing experience, along with a smooth and approachable push feel, the Ginger Milk is the ideal choice. It offers a muted, snappy sound profile that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Ginger Milk is versatile and can be used at home or work, making it a popular option for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that adds a touch of character to your typing experience, the Viola Tricolor is a great option. It provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Viola Tricolor offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance to provide a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. It creates an invigorating and immersive typing sensation, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Ginger Milk and Viola Tricolor hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a softer and smoother typing experience or a switch that delivers a touch of character and pronounced tactility. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Happy typing!
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