HMX Blue Topaz vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation and light feel, making typing a seamless experience. With its eye-catching glitter housing and clacky sound signature, it offers a combination of visual and auditory appeal. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch boasts resonant and clacky notes, along with a factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is smooth as silk. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Strawberry Wine (V2) is known for being 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is evident that they both utilize different materials for the top housing. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing offers a unique sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both the Blue Topaz and the Strawberry Wine (V2) can provide a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, offering a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall feel of the switch.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in terms of sound profiles, their bottom housing materials provide a similar typing experience. The split qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches ensure that users will feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This allows for a dynamic typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of each housing material for an optimal performance.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Blue Topaz the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Topaz requires 48 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) requires 50 grams, making the Strawberry Wine (V2) the heavier option in this aspect. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience overall, with the Blue Topaz being slightly lighter in actuation force. This difference may result in a slightly quicker typing feel compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2), which offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the travel distance of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is 3.4 mm. In this case, the Sarokeys switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Topaz switch. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, you may lean towards the Blue Topaz switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
When it comes to sound, both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Blue Topaz offers a distinctive clacky sound signature that is crisp, bright, and percussive, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference, as the Blue Topaz may appeal to those who enjoy a more straightforward clacky sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) may suit those seeking a higher-pitched and resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force results in effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering responsive and low-impact key presses, catering to users who prioritize comfort and ease of use.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz provides a lightweight and smooth actuation accompanied by a clacky sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a resonant and high-pitched sound profile paired with a silky smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will boil down to personal preference regarding sound and typing experience, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prioritize a smooth actuation and light feel with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with resonant and clacky notes, along with a factory-lubed silky smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to determine what features are most important to you before making a decision.
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