Jwick Ginger Milk vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, one may notice some distinct differences. The Ginger Milk, a linear switch, is known for its soft and pastel appearance, mirroring the silky smooth and approachable typing experience it offers. In contrast, the Xinhai, also a linear switch, boasts a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery' while the Xinhai falls under 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. If you are looking for a switch with a muted sound profile and a smooth feel, the Ginger Milk may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more distinct sound and a precise performance, the Xinhai could be the ideal choice. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk and the Xinhai differ in their bottom housing material. The Ginger Milk utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound qualities to the Ginger Milk.
While the top housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Xinhai are both polycarbonate, which results in a sharp and clear sound profile, their bottom housing materials differ. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile. Despite the similar top housing material, the different bottom housing materials of the Ginger Milk and the Xinhai give each switch a unique typing experience based on the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, the Jwick Ginger Milk and the HMX Xinhai share the characteristic of using polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material, both opting for nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound. This distinction in bottom housing material gives each switch its unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the overall sound profiles of both switches are likely to be quite similar due to the shared polycarbonate top housing material.
Weight
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams, while the Xinhai only needs 45 grams. This means that the Ginger Milk is heavier overall in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Xinhai, making it more suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai is lighter in both categories, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. However, individuals who prefer a bit more depth and resistance when typing may lean towards the switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 offers a neutral and moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a unique clacky sound with sharp and snappy characteristics, giving it a distinctively crisp and bright resonance. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch is known for its buttery and smooth keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation for users. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy feedback sensation with a lively feel, allowing for a rebound effect when keys are pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Jwick Ginger Milk and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ginger Milk provides a softer and more muted typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Xinhai switch delivers a unique and crisp keystroke experience with a clacky and bouncy sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience desired by the user. Whether you choose the Ginger Milk or Xinhai switch, you can expect a high-quality and consistent typing experience that meets your individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a smooth, muted typing experience, then the Ginger Milk may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a crisp, higher-pitched sound with a softer acoustics profile, then the Xinhai switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific sound and feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
