HMX Deep Navy vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both stand out as excellent linear options, each offering unique auditory and tactile experiences for different preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. It caters to users who appreciate a more subdued yet crisp sound with every press, making it a great choice for a focused, precise typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts resonant and clacky notes, which provide a distinct auditory feedback that many enthusiasts crave. These switches are complemented by an impeccable factory lube job, ensuring smooth operation that enhances the overall typing feel. The contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences of these switches reflect different user preferences—whether you seek the clean and refined notes of the Deep Navy or the lively ambiance created by the Strawberry Wine (V2). 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) exhibit different characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles during typing. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. This material dampens sound effectively, leading to a more muted auditory response that emphasizes a rounded sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) employs a Ly top housing, which is a newer material recognized for its bright and resonant clacks. This sound profile stands in stark contrast to the Deep Navy, as the Ly material reacts differently, creating a sharper and more pronounced auditory experience when typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon for their respective bottom housings. This shared element brings consistency to their sound characteristics, with both switches delivering deeper and fuller sound profiles due to the nylon's softer nature. The nylon material absorbs sound more than its harder counterparts, contributing to a duller feel when the key bottoms out. While each switch has unique top housing that defines its overall sound signature, the similarity in their bottom housings means that the deeper sounds experienced in both switches will remain consistent through this common material choice.
Ultimately, while the Deep Navy's nylon top housing offers a subdued auditory experience, and the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s Ly top housing delivers bright resonant sounds, their shared nylon bottom housing serves as a unifying factor. This combination showcases how varying top materials contribute distinct characteristics to the feel and sound of the switches, while retaining a similar foundation through the nylon bottom. Upon pressing the keys, users will notice that the nylon bottom influences the bottom-out sound and feel, thereby producing a deeper, more rounded sound across both types of switches. Whether through contrasting top materials or a shared bottom, both the HMX Deep Navy and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) promise an engaging typing experience grounded in the properties of their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Deep Navy switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer feel, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, aligning it more with those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, while the Deep Navy offers a lighter touch, facilitating longer use with less strain, the Strawberry Wine (V2) caters to individuals who appreciate a firmer push. Therefore, choosing between these switches will largely depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out resistance, with the Deep Navy being the lighter option overall.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is identical, with both switches featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same degree of movement, resulting in a consistent feel across both options. Since the travel distances are equal, users can expect similar performance and tactile feedback when using either switch in their keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch showcases a rich and sharp auditory experience, enhanced by its full nylon construction, which contributes to a robust and well-rounded acoustic profile. This switch is engineered to deliver a smooth and consistent sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) presents a notably clacky and resonant sound signature. With its high-pitched and crisp notes, it creates an engaging, percussive typing experience that feels lively and bright. The two switches offer different auditory experiences: while the Deep Navy leans towards a more rounded sound, the Strawberry Wine emphasizes clarity and resonance, appealing to those who prefer a sharper auditory response.
Regarding feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch provides a smooth operation through its Ly stem, promoting a seamless typing action that minimizes tactile bumps or interruptions. This design enhances the overall fluidity of each keystroke, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a continuous typing flow. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is also characterized by its silky feel, attributed to a meticulous factory lube job that ensures a notably smooth and resistant-free typing experience. Both switches aim for an ultra-smooth keystroke feel, making them excellent choices for anyone who enjoys an effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches cater to different auditory preferences while both offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The Deep Navy excels in creating a rich and rounded sound, whereas the Strawberry Wine excels in high-pitched, resonant acoustics. Ultimately, choosing between these two may come down to your personal sound preference, but you can expect a silky smooth action from either option.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the auditory experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Deep Navy shines with its smooth, silent keystrokes and a rich sound profile that enhances your typing experience without unwanted noise. The full nylon construction offers durability and a consistent feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value a fluid typing experience and want to focus on productivity without distraction. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be more appealing. Its clacky and resonant sound profile, paired with impeccable factory lubrication, provides a satisfying auditory feedback and silky smoothness that many typists find delightful. Ultimately, if your aim is to immerse yourself in a sharp, clean sound while enjoying lighter keystrokes, the Deep Navy is the way to go. However, if you appreciate a more tactile auditory experience combined with a medium-light feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) will likely meet your expectations.
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