TTC Flame Red vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) can be tough. The flame red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prioritize a backlit, RGB keyboard setup. Typing on flame red switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the strawberry wine (V2) switches are known for their resonant and clacky notes, accompanied by an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth keystroke. While the flame red is categorized as neutral, mild, polished, the strawberry wine (V2) falls under clacky, resonant, silky, high-pitched. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing, which also offers a pleasing and deep sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to nylon. While both materials contribute to a rich sound experience, they may vary in the level of sound clarity and depth they provide.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded and dull sound upon typing. The qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, impacting the overall typing experience for users. Despite both switches sharing the same material for their bottom housing, the nuances in design and construction may result in subtle differences in sound and feel when typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the TTC Flame Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) plays a crucial role in defining their sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound, the Flame Red features nylon for its top housing while the Strawberry Wine (V2) uses POM. These differences in top housing materials contribute to varied sound profiles, with the POM offering a relatively more muted and deep sound compared to the nylon. Whether the top and bottom housings match or differ, each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience, creating distinct sound profiles for users to enjoy.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams to fully press down, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) only requires 50 grams, making it slightly lighter in terms of the force needed to fully press a key. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Flame Red for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Flame Red is the longer option compared to the shorter Strawberry Wine switch. The Flame Red's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press compared to the shallower 3.4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Wine switch. If you prefer a more responsive feel with a shorter travel distance, the Strawberry Wine switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a deeper key press with a longer distance, the Flame Red switch would be the better option. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as clacky, resonant, and high-pitched, providing a sharp and snappy sound experience with clean and sharp tones. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound characteristics, with the Flame Red offering a more versatile option and the Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a more distinct and percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch is characterized as mild and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Flame Red focusing on a balanced and refined typing feel while the Strawberry Wine (V2) prioritizes ultimate smoothness and ease of keystrokes.
Overall, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch each have their unique strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, suitable for a variety of users and settings. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its clacky and resonant sound profile, along with a silky smooth typing feel that enhances the overall tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, ensuring that the user gets the desired experience based on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Flame Red if you prioritize a visually stunning light diffuser for RGB keyboards, a weighty smoothness, and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, choose the Strawberry Wine (V2) if you prefer resonant and clacky notes, impeccable factory lube job for silky smooth keystrokes, and a lighter bottom out force. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, the Flame Red may be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a clacky, resonant, high-pitched sound profile, and a silky smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for visuals, sound, and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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