TTC Brother vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch both stand out for their unique qualities. The TTC Brother is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts, offering a lightweight actuation of just 37g for a satisfyingly crunchy sound with a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are known for their resonant and clacky notes, along with a factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth keystroke experience. While the Brother switch caters to those who enjoy a tactile and easy-to-press feel, the Strawberry Wine switch appeals to those who prefer a more smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing habits; 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature a combination of materials in their housing design. The Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Brother allows for RGB lighting to shine through, while the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a unique look and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Brother and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will provide a different tactile experience compared to switches with different bottom housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and tactile experience of the switch. While the Brother and the Strawberry Wine (V2) have different top housing materials, they both share nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The differences in sound profile between the two switches can be attributed to their respective top housing materials, with the polycarbonate of the Brother providing a sharper sound and the POM of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offering a deeper and more muted sound.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a known bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The actuation force of the Brother switch would result in a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would provide a more robust typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, slightly longer than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.4mm. While the 0.1mm may seem like a negligible difference, it may be noticeable to some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. Those who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Brother switch, while those who prefer a slightly shallower press may opt for the Strawberry Wine switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so users can expect comparable results regardless of their choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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, the TTC Brother clicky switch is renowned for its crunchy and precise click sound, akin to stepping on piles of autumn leaves, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience for enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound profile, contributing to a sharp and crisp typing experience. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Brother delivering a crunchy sound and the Strawberry Wine offering a more clacky and resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its ease of pressing and gentle resistance, making it effortless to type on and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Its stepped design provides a mild tactile feedback, allowing for a responsive typing experience without overwhelming the user. On the contrary, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch boasts a silky smooth feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Brother emphasizes an easy-to-press and stepped feel, the Strawberry Wine focuses on providing a silky and frictionless typing sensation.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in delivering a crunchy and tactile typing experience with a precise click sound, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a light actuation force and distinct tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch stands out for its clacky and resonant sound profile, coupled with a silky smooth typing feel that enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options offer exceptional qualities that will elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silky typing feel with a resonant and clacky sound profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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