KTT Ash Gray vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the KTT Ash Gray and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, we encounter two distinct options with unique characteristics. The Ash Gray switch is praised for its tactile response that strikes a balance between being noticeable yet not overwhelming, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch stands out for its clacky and resonant notes, coupled with a smooth keystroke experience provided by a factory lube job. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'easy-to-press,' 'mild,' and 'neutral,' the Strawberry Wine (V2) is described as 'clacky,' 'resonant,' 'silky,' and 'high-pitched.' These general characteristics can guide you in deciding which switch aligns best with your typing preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we can see some distinct differences. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. While the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, the Strawberry Wine (V2) also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar effect.
Despite some similarities in the bottom housing materials of the Ash Gray and Strawberry Wine (V2), the differences in their top housings make for distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray is known for creating a sharp and clear sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) produces a unique and pleasing deeper sound. While both switches may elicit a fuller sound profile due to their nylon bottom housings, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound experience of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ash Gray and the Strawberry Wine (V2) will come down to personal preferences in sound profile. The Ash Gray offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, resulting in a fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer a clear, resonant sound or a unique, deeper sound, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light feel. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it feel even lighter. The Ash Gray offers a more balanced typing experience with a noticeable difference between actuation and bottom out forces, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a consistent and light feel throughout. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2), while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Ash Gray. Both switches offer reliable performance, but the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly longer than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference - the Ash Gray may provide a slightly more pronounced keypress depth, while the Strawberry Wine may offer a slightly quicker response. Overall, both switches offer a similar travel distance and would provide comparable results in terms of keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. If you prefer a moderate sound profile, the Ash Gray would be a good option, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more distinctive and percussive typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press and offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for activation. This makes long typing sessions comfortable and reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance during key presses. If you prefer a light and effortless typing experience, the Ash Gray would be a suitable choice, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a smoother and more luxurious typing sensation.
Taking all available information into consideration, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Ash Gray provides a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press tactile feedback, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a clacky and resonant sound with a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches excel in different aspects to cater to varying typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light touch with a crisp actuation and a moderate sound profile, the Ash Gray may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with resonant and clacky notes, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and moderate sound, or smoothness and unique auditory experiences in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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