Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stand out as distinct choices. The Crystal Violet offers a tactile typing experience with a light operating force of 45g, creating a relaxed and stepped feel for users. The sound profile is creamy and low-pitched, making for a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a linear switch option with resonant and clacky notes, coupled with a smooth keystroke thanks to the factory lube job. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences in typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet features ABS top and bottom housings, providing a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts POM top housing and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more muted. While the Crystal Violet's ABS housing offers a classic switch feel with a unique sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a softer and rounder sound due to the nylon bottom housing.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for its top housing, leading to a relatively low-pitched sound profile that is uncommon in switch housings. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) employs POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more pleasing sound that is unique to this material. This contrast in top housing materials results in a different typing experience for users of each switch.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) feature bottom housings made of ABS and nylon, respectively. This shared material for the bottom housing results in a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. While the Crystal Violet provides a classic switch feel with its ABS bottom housing, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the nylon material. In this way, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's 50 grams. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect. The Crystal Violet offers a medium-light feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a lighter touch, which may cater more to those who prefer a gentler keystroke. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of the two switches provide users with options based on preference, where the Crystal Violet is slightly heavier, and the Strawberry Wine (V2) is lighter and more responsive for a softer touch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Wine (V2). The Crystal Violet offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine (V2), while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are known for their low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches have a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound, offering a sharp, bright, and immersive sound profile. Depending on personal preference, the Crystal Violet switches are more suited for those who prefer a softer and gentler typing sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches cater to individuals who enjoy a sharper and more pronounced clicky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth, buttery typing experience with a gentle tactile feel. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are characterized as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing sensation with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Crystal Violet switches, while those who prioritize a smoother keypress may opt for the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches.
Overall, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a lighter operating force and gentler tactile feedback, the Crystal Violet switches may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced clicky sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches would be a great option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light operating force and a gently tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light operating force, a resonant and clacky sound profile, and a silky smooth typing feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what features matter most to you when making your decision.
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