Gateron Beer vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Beer switch, with its translucent green housing and refreshingly lightweight feel, provides a unique stepped tactility that sets it apart from traditional tactile switches. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch boasts a clacky and resonant sound profile, combined with a silky smooth keystroke thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. While the Beer switch offers an 'easy-to-press' feel and a characteristic clacky sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch delivers a 'high-pitched' sound and a luxurious silky smooth typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in their choice of housing materials. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their housing materials. The polycarbonate housings of the Beer create a more distinct sound profile, particularly when combined with RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing effect. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) prioritizes a unique sound experience, with the POM and nylon housings working in tandem to produce a blend of deep and full tones. While the impact of the housing materials may vary between the two switches, they each contribute to the overall feel and sound when typing on the keyboard.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches. The Gateron Beer's polycarbonate housings result in a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more subdued and unique sound experience with its POM and nylon housings. Despite these differences, the impact of the housing materials is felt differently depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Beer switch may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Strawberry Wine switch may provide a more substantial push feel, ideal for users who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance, resulting in similar typing experiences. Both switches offer a moderate distance for keypresses, providing a satisfying feel for the user. Overall, the travel distance for both the Gateron Beer and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches is identical, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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, both the Gateron Beer and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, with the Beer switch having a characteristic clacky sound signature and the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch featuring resonant and clacky notes. The clacky sound produced by both switches creates a sharp and snappy auditory experience when typing, which can be crisp, bright, and percussive. While the Beer switch focuses more on a distinct clackiness, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers additional high-pitched and resonant qualities, providing a more immersive auditory experience overall.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is noted for being easy-to-press and featuring a stepped tactility that offers a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. This lighter actuation force and stepped design provide a responsive and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as offering a silky smooth typing experience due to an impeccable factory lube job. This silky smoothness enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
Overall, whether you choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique qualities. Both switches offer a clacky sound profile, but with the Beer switch focusing more on a distinct clackiness and the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch adding high-pitched and resonant elements. In terms of feel, the Beer switch provides an easy-to-press and stepped tactility, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with impeccable lubrication. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but both will deliver quality performance in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light tactile switch with a unique clacky sound signature and a stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a factory-lubed smooth typing experience, along with a resonant and clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches would be the ideal option for you. Consider your preference for tactility, sound, and typing experience when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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