Kailh Box White vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Box White is a clicky switch loved for its maximum audio feedback, providing a delightful "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a pronounced tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a linear experience with resonant and clacky notes, enhanced by a smooth factory lube job that creates a silky typing feel. While the Box White is more crunchy and polished, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is clacky and high-pitched. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference; 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
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), the major difference lies in the top housing material. The Box White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Box White and the Strawberry Wine (V2) incorporate nylon for this component. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the differences in the top housing material will still result in distinct sound profiles when using the two switches.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Kailh Box White and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) contributes to the unique sound profiles each switch offers. While the Box White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. The shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of the deep and full sound profile that nylon is known for. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the auditory feedback and overall feel of these mechanical key switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the Box White has a slightly heavier feel with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Box White provides a more medium-level typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a lighter touch. Those who prefer a lighter key press may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2) for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a bit more feedback and resistance may find the Box White to be more to their liking. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on the weight of force required, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we can see that the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Strawberry Wine's 3.4 mm. While the 0.2 mm may seem insignificant, it can make a difference in how the switch feels and responds when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Box White. Both switches offer a great typing experience, so regardless of the slight difference in travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched tone, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, creating a sharp and percussive auditory experience. While the Box White leans towards a cleaner and sharper sound profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a crisper and brighter tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will be subjective to personal preference, as well as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is known for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, ensuring a fluid and comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer a polished or silky feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch have distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box White excels in producing a resonant and high-pitched sound with a polished typing feel, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your keyboard switches, each option offers a unique and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and can satisfy the needs of newcomers seeking different tactile and auditory sensations in their keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched, crunchy sound profile with accented tactility, then the Box White is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom out force and a clacky, resonant sound profile, along with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the ideal option. Consider your typing preferences and priorities when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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