KTT Darling vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the KTT Darling and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The KTT Darling is renowned for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a bouncy and springy responsiveness that enhances each keystroke. The high-pitched and resonant sound it produces upon bottoming out adds to the tactile and auditory feedback experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine switches offer a different experience with resonant and clacky notes, along with a silky smooth feel thanks to an impeccable factory lube job. While the Darling is characterized by its bounciness and clackiness, the Strawberry Wine excels in its smoothness and high-pitched tones. 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
53g
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
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing deeper sound that is more muted compared to polycarbonate. While both materials have their own distinct qualities, users looking for a clearer and resonant sound may prefer the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound might lean towards the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2).
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Darling and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom housing of both switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches showcases a preference for a duller and rounder sound that provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a softer sound profile.
While the top housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer different sound profiles, the bottom housing material remains consistent with both switches utilizing nylon. This consistency ensures users will experience a similar deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of which switch they choose. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for either a sharper, crisper sound (polycarbonate) or a deeper, more muted sound (POM) in the top housing.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch are both 45 grams, meaning that you will get similar results in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The KTT Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) with a bottom out force of 50 grams. This categorizes the Darling as a medium-light switch and the Strawberry Wine as a light switch. The weight of the switches is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as a lighter switch may be more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier switch may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Darling to be slightly more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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, both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch are described as clacky, resonant, and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. The Darling switch adds a bounciness to its sound profile, creating a springy and engaging feedback, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) emphasizes on a factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Darling providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation, and the Strawberry Wine (V2) offering impeccable smoothness.
When it comes to feel, the Darling switch is noted for its bouncy feedback, giving a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is praised for its silky smooth feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Darling focusing on a spring-like sensation, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) aims for a heightened smoothness.
In conclusion, while the KTT Darling linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch share similar sound qualities of being clacky, resonant, and high-pitched, they diverge in their tactile feedback with the Darling being bouncy and the Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a silky smooth feel. Depending on individual preferences for typing sensation, users can expect a satisfying and resonant experience with either switch, ensuring a pleasant and engaging typing journey. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a more bouncy and substantial feel with the Darling, or a smoother and silky typing experience with the Strawberry Wine (V2).
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a bouncy and substantial typing sensation, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the KTT Darling switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force with a silky smooth typing experience and impeccable factory lube job for enhanced smoothness, along with a clacky and resonant sound profile, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preference, and desired tactile feedback.
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