HMX Gravel vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its smooth and refined typing feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that leans toward the lighter side, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a responsive and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out with its resonant and clacky audio profile, which adds a distinct auditory dimension to each keystroke. Its impeccable factory lube job further enhances its silky smooth performance, attracting users who appreciate both sound and smoothness in their typing. While the Gravel promises a seamless experience for avid typists, the Strawberry Wine offers a more tactile and engaging soundscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.80

$4.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) presents a fascinating comparison, particularly regarding their top housings. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to the switch's sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is not only acoustically beneficial but also enhances aesthetic appeal, especially when combined with RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the illumination to shine through vibrantly. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a Ly top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a bright sound signature marked by resonant clacks. While both housings aim to elevate the auditory experience, they achieve it through different acoustic properties, with polycarbonate favoring clarity and Ly enhancing brightness.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a material synonymous with creating deeper and fuller sound profiles. The nylon used in the Gravel and Strawberry Wine (V2) absorbs sound effectively due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a rounder and more muted typing experience compared to the sharper tones produced by the top housing materials. Both switches leverage the immersive qualities of nylon to enhance the tactile feel during typing, making them appealing to users who appreciate a fuller and richer bottom-out sound. Therefore, while the top housings exhibit distinct acoustic signatures, the use of nylon in the bottom housing fosters a sense of continuity in auditory experience.

Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the HMX Gravel and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) creates a unique sound profile for each switch despite their shared nylon bottom housing. The Gravel’s polycarbonate top promotes crispness, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) excels in producing resonant sounds, demonstrating how varied materials can still result in desirable auditory outcomes. The interaction between the stiffer top and the softer bottom enhances the overall feel and sound, allowing for tailored experiences based on user preference. If you desire comparable results in sound richness and depth, focusing on the nylon bottom housing across both switches will likely yield a fullness that satisfies typists looking for robust auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, both switches exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a similar feel when triggering a keystroke with either option. However, they differ slightly in their bottom out forces; the Gravel has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is slightly heavier at 52 grams. This difference reveals that while both switches offer light actuation, the Gravel will bottom out with less resistance, providing a marginally softer overall experience. Consequently, the HMX Gravel might be more suited for users who favor long typing sessions or gaming with reduced fatigue, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), with its heavier bottom out force, could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Thus, the Gravel can be classified as the lighter option, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) comes across as the heavier choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, a distinct difference can be noted. The Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. As a result, the Gravel switch is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2), with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key press and the sense of a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch may not be as explicitly characterized as the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). The Strawberry Wine (V2) is noted for its resonant and clacky notes, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. This auditory experience is described as high-pitched, offering a clean and sharp typing sound. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gravel is not defined, but users generally expect a more muted acoustic experience typical of linear switches, which may result in a quieter typing environment compared to the lively sound of the Strawberry Wine (V2).

In terms of feel, the Gravel switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive and effortless typing feel. This makes it an appealing choice for users looking for a smooth and fluid typing experience without much resistance. The Strawberry Wine (V2), on the other hand, is lauded for its silky feel, attributed to an impeccable factory lube job that minimizes friction during keystrokes, enhancing overall typing comfort. While both switches aim for a smooth experience, the Gravel provides a slightly more responsive typing feel due to its lighter actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a quicker response.

In summary, the HMX Gravel linear switch offers a smooth and responsive experience with a less defined sound profile, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a clacky and resonant auditory experience paired with a silky feel thanks to excellent lubrication. If you're looking for a more lively typing sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) will deliver that, while the Gravel is likely to be more subdued acoustically, focusing on smoothness and response. Your choice will depend largely on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your priorities in terms of typing experience and sound preferences. If you favor an ultra-smooth and responsive feel with a slightly lighter actuation force, the Gravel is an excellent choice, perfect for fast-paced typing and gaming where quick actions are crucial. Its 50-gram bottom-out force lends itself to a less fatiguing experience, making it ideal for long hours of use. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile auditory feedback alongside silky smooth keystrokes, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be the better option for you. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 52 grams provides a more substantial feel while still being relatively light, and the distinct clacky and resonant sound adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize speed and smoothness over sound and a firmer typing experience, ensuring that every keystroke meets your personal preferences and enhances your overall keyboard enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) Linear

$4.80

$4.35 per 10

Learn more