Kailh Box Navy vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come into consideration are the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a linear switch. The Box Navy is ideal for those who crave a hefty typing experience and enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a smooth and silky keystroke experience with its impeccable factory lube job and resonant, clacky notes. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a clicky or linear feel. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
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 Navy and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we see a clear distinction between the materials used in their top housings. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for emphasizing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique sound profile that appeals to those seeking a different auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches use nylon for this component. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that enhances the sound profile by providing a deeper and fuller sound. Due to nylon's softer nature, it absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in material choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) ensures that typists will experience a similar sensory experience when it comes to typing on these switches. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing indicates a prioritization of sound quality and tactile feedback in both switches.
However, the difference in top housing materials may lead to a noticeable contrast in the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when letting go of a key, the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) creates a deeper and more subdued sound. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the typing experience for users. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in the top housing materials ensure that each switch offers a unique sound profile that caters to specific preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Box Navy switch also has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Box Navy switch better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we see that the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 3.4 mm of the Strawberry Wine (V2). This means that the Box Navy requires a slightly deeper press to actuate compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2). For those who prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feedback, the Box Navy may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a quicker and more responsive keypress may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience each individual user is looking for.
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 Navy 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 Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound, delivering a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy emphasizing a heavier click and the Strawberry Wine showcasing a smoother and more resonant sound.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, providing a high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Box Navy emphasizes a strong and crisp tactile bump, the Strawberry Wine focuses on a smooth and reactive typing sensation, catering to users who prefer different levels of feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch both offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy excels in providing a heavy typing experience with a vintage sound signature, while the Strawberry Wine stands out for its exceptional factory lube job and silky smooth keystrokes. Depending on whether you prefer a heavier, crunchy click or a smoother linear feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing feedback and sound profile you enjoy.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a strong tactile feedback and enjoy the distinctive sound of clicky switches, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth keystroke and appreciate a more subtle sound profile, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches would be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preference, whether you prioritize tactility and sound or a smooth and quiet typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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