Kailh Box Jade vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a linear switch, it's important to note that both offer unique typing experiences. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, providing crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine switches offer a smooth and silky typing experience with resonant and clacky notes, thanks to an impeccable factory lube job. While the Box Jades are categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Strawberry Wine switches are characterized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Each switch has its own unique appeal and qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), one noticeable difference lies in the top housing material. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting capabilities, the Strawberry Wine's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary slightly between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While the Box Jade and Strawberry Wine (V2) share a nylon bottom housing, their contrasting top housing materials – polycarbonate and POM, respectively – contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound, whereas the Strawberry Wine's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in mechanical switches allows for customization and tailored experiences based on individual preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch. The Box Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Strawberry Wine requires 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This makes the Strawberry Wine a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry Wine would be the better choice as it allows for longer typing sessions without putting as much strain on the fingers. On the other hand, the Box Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their benefits, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference on typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying and deeper key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade switch is high-pitched and crunchy, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. This creates a satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is clacky and resonant, offering a sharp and snappy sound profile that is clean and sharp. Additionally, it is also high-pitched, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles, with the Box Jade leaning towards a more pronounced click while the Strawberry Wine (V2) aims for a clean and sharp sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering medium tactile feedback without being overwhelming. This creates a typing sensation that is reactive and snappy, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance while pressing and releasing keys. The feel of the Box Jade switch emphasizes a balance between tactility and smoothness, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch focuses on delivering a seamless typing experience with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade switch provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile with an accented and invigorating tactile feel, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced click and tactile response. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a silky smooth feel, perfect for users seeking a clean and seamless typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Box Jade offering a more tactile and clicky typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on delivering a smooth and refined keystroke feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jades are perfect for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth typing feel and resonant, clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine switches are an excellent choice. Their factory-lubed smoothness and distinctive sound make typing a silky smooth affair. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and clicky sound (Box Jade) or smoothness and resonant sound (Strawberry Wine).
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