TTC Gold Brown vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer distinct experiences for users. The gold browns are praised for their balanced nature, with a slight bump that provides tactile feedback while maintaining a moderate weightiness. The switches produce a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to other switches, making them a great option for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are known for their resonant and clacky notes, offering a different typing sensation. The impeccable factory lube job on these switches ensures each keystroke is smooth and silky. While the gold browns are categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, accented, polished, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches fall into the clacky, resonant, silky, high-pitched category. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we can see some clear differences. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Gold Brown is more likely to provide a clearer and resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the POM of the Strawberry Wine (V2) leans towards a deeper and more subdued sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, we find another point of distinction. The Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience. Both switches benefit from the sound absorption properties of nylon, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Despite the shared material, each switch may offer a slightly different feel due to the specific design and construction of their bottom housings.
When it comes to using different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch, the impact on sound and feel varies. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound when a key is released. While the Gold Brown and the Strawberry Wine (V2) may have similar bottom housing materials, the choice of top housing material plays a crucial role in defining their respective sound profiles. Overall, both switches offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Gold Brown being the heavier option. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Gold Brown provides a medium resistance, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred by those who like a more effortless typing experience. Both switches have their own benefits, with the Gold Brown being ideal for users seeking a substantial typing experience, and the Strawberry Wine (V2) being suitable for those looking for a lighter typing feel that allows for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Strawberry Wine (V2) the shorter option compared to the Gold Brown. The Gold Brown's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional depth when pressing down on the key, while the Strawberry Wine's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine for faster response times, while others may find the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown more satisfying for a more significant key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement that suits a variety of users and settings. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound, creating a sharp and immersive auditory experience with higher-pitched tones. Depending on your personal preference and setup, the Gold Brown may offer a softer and more balanced sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a more crisp and bright sound that stands out with each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is characterized as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a balanced feel or a smoother and effortless keystroke, the Gold Brown and Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Browns provide a balanced and neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches deliver a clacky and resonant sound with a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Keep in mind that factors such as your keyboard layout and keycaps can also influence the overall typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a balanced switch with a moderate tactile bump and weightiness, along with a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with resonant and clacky notes, an impeccable factory lube job for smooth keystrokes, and a lighter bottom out force, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics for different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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