HMX Cheese vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches stand out for being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch boasts resonant and clacky notes, coupled with an impeccable factory lube job that results in a silky smooth keystroke experience. While the HMX Cheese switch leans towards a lighter touch and satisfying sound feedback, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a blend of clacky, resonant tones and a silky smooth 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), one key difference is the top housing material. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts a POM top housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This contrast in top housing materials can greatly impact the overall sound experience of the switches.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Cheese and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. While the specific sound qualities may vary slightly between the two switches due to other factors, such as keycap materials and switch design, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent level of sound depth and richness in both switches.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials between the HMX Cheese and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) lead to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cheese's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing delivers a more muted and unique sound experience. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a level of consistency in sound depth and richness. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that both switches are on the lighter side. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch while typing. However, the Strawberry Wine (V2) requires slightly more force to bottom out than the Cheese, which could provide a slightly more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with minimal force required for actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant enough to notice a major distinction in feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cheese or the Strawberry Wine (V2), you can expect a similar level of responsiveness due to their comparable travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers resonant and clacky notes, with an impeccable factory lube job that creates a silky smooth keystroke experience. The Cheese switch provides a unique ultra-light feel that is lighter than 90% of all switches, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a silky smooth typing feel. When it comes to sound, the Cheese switch stands out with its poppy and crispy sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch delivers a sharp and snappy clacky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cheese switch's qualities are not specified, but the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as providing a silky smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, but choosing between them would depend on the specific preferences of the user in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 46 grams and enjoy a smooth and pristine typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound signature, the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams and enjoy a resonant and clacky sound with impeccable factory lubrication for a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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