Jwick Ginger Milk vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star RedBlue. While both switches fall under the linear category, they offer distinct typing experiences and sound profiles. The Ginger Milk is best known for its soft and pastel appearance, which is indicative of the smooth and approachable push feel it provides. With a muted and snappy sound profile, this switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Buttery'. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches are something special, particularly suited for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. This switch offers a relatively higher-pitched sound profile and is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Ginger Milk and the SP-Star RedBlue, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material offers similar benefits for both switches, such as creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect to get similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from the top housing of both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ginger Milk utilizes nylon while the RedBlue uses polycarbonate. The use of nylon in the Ginger Milk's bottom housing brings a different sound profile compared to the RedBlue. Typing on the Ginger Milk will elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material leads to a variation in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
In summary, the similarities between the Ginger Milk and RedBlue lie in their polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharp and clear sound profile as well as compatibility with RGB lighting. However, the Nylon bottom housing of the Ginger Milk provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue brings a sharper and crisper tone. These differences in housing materials result in variations in the sound and feel of the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Ginger Milk has an actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the actuation force of the RedBlue is unknown. However, the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the RedBlue's 57 grams. This makes the Ginger Milk switch overall heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, which necessitates switches with heavier forces.
In terms of actuation force, the Ginger Milk requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Since the actuation force of the RedBlue is unknown, it is unclear if they are similar in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ginger Milk requires 63.5 grams to press all the way down, whereas the RedBlue requires 57 grams, making the RedBlue switch slightly lighter in bottom out force.
In summary, the Ginger Milk linear switch is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the RedBlue. However, without knowledge of the RedBlue's actuation force, it is difficult to determine if both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation.
Travel distance
The Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have different travel distances. The Ginger Milk has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the RedBlue has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the RedBlue falls closer to the average of 4.0 mm, while the Ginger Milk is slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Ginger Milk switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the RedBlue switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preferences and desired responsiveness.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 muted and snappy sound profile. This means that when you press and release the keys, you can expect a softer and more subtle sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a higher-pitched sound profile. This results in a slightly sharper and more pronounced sound when typing. However, both switches fall into the neutral category, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user using them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel. This implies a buttery typing experience with a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when pressing the keys. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a more mild and gentle typing experience. This means that the feel of the keys will be less pronounced and softer compared to switches with more defined characteristics. Additionally, the RedBlue switch is described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
Considering the information available, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch stands out for its soft and pastel appearance, silky smooth push feel, and muted snappy sound profile. It provides a typing experience that is approachable and effortless. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is known for its medium-light typing experience, higher-pitched sound profile, and polished finish for smooth key travel. While they have their distinct qualities, both switches fall into the neutral category in terms of sound and offer a comfortable typing feel. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to either of these, keeping their respective characteristics in mind can help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a silky smooth and approachable push feel, as well as a muted and snappy sound profile, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch would be a better fit. The RedBlue switches are particularly suited for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience and appreciate a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking for.
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