Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Gateron Glory Yellow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Glory Yellow stands out with its heavier build, ensuring a smooth keystroke with an attractive travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is celebrated for its resonant and clacky notes, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. This switch also boasts an impeccable factory lube job, resulting in a silky smooth action that can elevate the act of typing or gaming to a more enjoyable affair. While both switches are linear, they cater to different tactile and aural preferences, making them appealing choices for different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Glory Yellow's top housing is constructed from nylon, a traditional material known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows for sound absorption, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a Ly material for its top housing, which is a newer option that produces a brighter sound signature with more pronounced resonant clacks during typing. This essential difference in the top housing materials results in the two switches producing distinct sound profiles, with the Glory Yellow offering a more muted sound while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides sharper auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a level of consistency in terms of sound absorption and tactile feel to the bottom-out experience. Just like in the Glory Yellow, the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) nurtures a similar sound profile, allowing for that deeper, fuller sound characteristic of nylon materials. Since the bottom housing has a more substantial influence on the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed, this shared nylon material means that both switches deliver a comparable sensation in that aspect. Thus, while the top housings diverge significantly, the bottom housings share a common ground, enhancing the tactile experience collectively.
In summary, the differences between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) predominantly arise from the material choices for their top housings. The nylon used in the Glory Yellow creates a deeper, muted sound experience that stands in contrast to the brighter and more resonant qualities produced by the Ly top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2). However, their identical nylon bottom housings ensure that the fundamental tactile response and deeper sound profile are retained for both switches when bottoming out. Thus, users can expect a blend of distinct auditory experiences from the top housing materials while enjoying consistent tactile feedback from the bottom housings in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires a 50-gram actuation force, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This difference means that the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be more suitable for users who prefer less resistance and a lighter feel during extended typing or gaming sessions, making it a better option for comfort over long durations. In terms of bottom out force, the Glory Yellow does not provide a specific measurement, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating a more substantial feedback when the key is fully pressed down. Thus, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance during type, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would satisfy that preference with its medium-light bottom out force. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out, while the Glory Yellow offers an ambiguous but potentially heavier feel based on its unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Glory Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users of the Strawberry Wine (V2) can expect quicker engagement and responsiveness, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prioritize speed in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Glory Yellow may provide a more substantial feeling with each key press, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced and traditional typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker response times, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the better option, whereas the Glory Yellow may be favored by those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile engagement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow 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 Gateron Glory Yellow switch has not been specifically described, leaving it somewhat ambiguous. However, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is known for its resonant and clacky notes, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. The auditory experience of the Strawberry Wine (V2) is characterized by a high-pitched sound profile that is clean, crisp, and bright, offering an immersive quality that many users find satisfying. Should the Glory Yellow switch produce a sound profile that leans towards a lower pitch or a different tone, users seeking that distinct auditory feedback may be attracted to the Strawberry Wine (V2) instead.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow is also unspecified, leaving potential users curious about its tactile characteristics. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is celebrated for its silky feel, which results from an impeccable factory lube job. This means that typing on these switches delivers an exceptionally smooth experience, significantly reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. As a result, the Strawberry Wine can contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Gateron Glory Yellow switches remain vague, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch clearly stands out with its resonant, clacky sound and silky smooth feel. If sound and feel qualities are important in your choice of switch, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would likely provide a more defined experience. Users interested in the Glory Yellow might want to explore its characteristics further to determine how closely it aligns with their preferences, particularly in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with an effortless travel distance, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, particularly for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. Its unknown bottom out force, while a bit of a mystery, generally lends itself to a lighter touch that many users find delightful. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch that offers a rich auditory experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be more to your liking. With its crisp, clacky sound profile and the added benefit of a high-quality factory lube job for a silky smooth feel, this switch is ideal for those who appreciate both sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smoother, quieter experience or a more dynamic, resonant keystroke that enhances the enjoyment of each tap.
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