TTC Gold Silver vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Gold Silver is praised for its rapid responsiveness and precise bottom-out, accompanied by a resonant sound signature that adds a satisfying touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its clacky and resonant notes, combined with a smooth factory lube job for a silky typing experience. While the Gold Silver leans towards speed, sound, and fluidity, the Strawberry Wine (V2) excels in clacky notes and a high-pitched sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), one significant difference is in their top housing material. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those seeking a crisper sound with RGB lighting, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique and pleasing sound experience.
On the other hand, both the Gold Silver and the Strawberry Wine (V2) share a nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, regardless of the overall differences in sound profiles between the two switches, their nylon bottom housing materials ensure a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and richness.
In terms of overall sound experience, the combination of different housing materials in the TTC Gold Silver and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) plays a crucial role. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings impact both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. The bottom housing, with its softer nylon material, influences the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, the top housing, whether it be polycarbonate or POM, significantly impacts the sound profile when letting go of a key, offering distinct sound characteristics for each switch.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Silver has an unknown value while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that the Strawberry Wine (V2) is slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver may be the better option, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might find the Strawberry Wine (V2) more to their liking. In either case, both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback for typing enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly longer than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quick response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for either switch, as the slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users. However, for those who enjoy a deeper key press, the Gold Silver switch might provide a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Strawberry Wine switch. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing a smooth typing or gaming experience with minor variations in feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and satisfying sound with a neutral tone that is suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and bright auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Gold Silver aims for a deeper and more mellow tone, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a crisper and more resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch boasts a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, showcasing a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction and gentle resistance. This ensures a sleek and approachable typing feel suitable for most users. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch emphasizes a silky typing experience, highlighting an exceptionally smooth feel that minimizes resistance when typing. Both switches prioritize smoothness in operation, with the Gold Silver offering a range of characteristics for a well-rounded typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on delivering a consistently silky feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches depends on personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a deep and neutral sound with refined tactility, the Gold Silver offers a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in every keypress. On the other hand, if you lean towards a bright and resonant sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides an immersive and smooth typing feel. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Gold Silver excelling in precision and closure, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on a luscious sound profile and exceptional factory lube job. Ultimately, choosing either switch will lead to a positive typing experience, tailored to your specific preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following: If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, then the TTC Gold Silver switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a factory-lubed, silky smooth typing experience with resonant and clacky sound notes, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch will be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you value the most.
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