HMX Hibiscus vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of their options. The HMX Hibiscus switches are celebrated for their ultra-light actuation force, offering a smooth and pristine typing experience that caters to those who prefer a lighter touch. Their satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature adds an engaging auditory element to every keystroke, making them a compelling choice for both casual typists and avid gamers. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches stand out with their resonant and clacky notes, providing a distinctive auditory feedback that some users may find particularly satisfying. Additionally, the impeccable factory lube job ensures that typing feels silky smooth, allowing for a frictionless experience that enhances overall performance. While both switches deliver exceptional typing experiences as linear switches, they each cater to slightly different preferences—whether you lean towards the HMX Hibiscus for its feather-light touch and crisp sounds or the Strawberry Wine for its clacky resonance and ultra-smooth keystrokes. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) showcase distinctly different housing materials, particularly evident in their top housing. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is well-regarded for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less sharp auditory response when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a Ly top housing, which introduces a brighter sound signature to the typing experience. The resonant clack produced by the Ly material allows for a more pronounced auditory feedback, which can appeal to those who prefer a livelier keypress.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is interesting to note that they share the same material: nylon. As both the Hibiscus and the Strawberry Wine (V2) use nylon for this part of the switch, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel. With nylon’s characteristic ability to produce a deeper, fuller tone and dampen vibrations, both switches will deliver a consistent, rounded sound when actuated. This commonality means that while the top housing influences the type of auditory feedback experienced during a key release, the bottom housing will provide a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and sensation, creating an overall harmonious typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials with similar nylon bottom housings reveals a nuanced dynamic between the two switches. The distinctive qualities of the Hibiscus and Strawberry Wine (V2) emerge through their top materials, offering users a choice between a warmer, softer sound profile and a brighter, more resonant typing feedback. While the bottom housing remains constant, shaping a reliably deep tone across both switches, the top materials play a crucial role in the overall acoustic experience. This aspect highlights the thoughtful design behind each switch, emphasizing how material variances at the top can lead to varied auditory experiences, while the shared nylon bottom ensures a consistent core performance.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Hibiscus has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that users of the Hibiscus may find it easier to type for extended periods due to the lower resistance, while those who prefer a firmer push may gravitate towards the Strawberry Wine (V2). Overall, the Hibiscus provides a softer touch for prolonged usage, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a bit more heft, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch is 3.5 mm, whereas the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter of the two options, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could appeal to those who favor more pronounced depth and feedback while typing. Overall, while both switches provide a linear feel, the Hibiscus offers a slightly more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it suitable for users who prefer quicker keystrokes. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be more satisfying for those who enjoy a bit more travel and tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different user preferences in terms of keypress response and typing comfort, highlighting the importance of individual performance needs when choosing a switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch stands out with its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy an auditory feedback in their typing experience. This distinctive sound adds a layer of enjoyment to each keystroke, ensuring that every press feels lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) presents a sound profile that includes resonant and clacky notes, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory response. While both switches share a clacky quality, the Strawberry Wine (V2) emphasizes a cleaner, higher-pitched sound that may appeal to users seeking vibrant auditory stimulation during their typing sessions.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches are renowned for an exceptional smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience, though specific details about their texture are not provided. The Strawberry Wine (V2) excels in this aspect as well, offering a silky typing experience thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. This feature minimizes resistance, allowing for an effortless and fluid keystroke. While the Hibiscus likely shares a smooth typing feel, the explicit mention of silkiness in the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a slight edge in feel detail.
In summary, both the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch deliver enjoyable auditory experiences with clacky sounds, albeit with different nuances in pitch and resonance. The Hibiscus is characterized by its lively and crispy sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) leans towards a higher-pitched and sharper auditory profile. Additionally, both switches promise a smooth typing experience, although the Strawberry Wine (V2) emphasizes its silky feel through a noteworthy factory lube job. Whichever switch you choose, you're likely to enjoy a delightful blend of sound and feel that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and what you value in your keyboard experience. If you're seeking a light switch that provides an ultra-smooth typing experience combined with an engaging auditory feedback characterized by a clacky, poppy sound, the HMX Hibiscus might be your best match. The Hibiscus is especially suitable for those who type quickly and prefer less resistance, offering a delightful experience that can enhance both typing speed and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a medium-light bottom-out force and you appreciate a thicker, resonant sound that is both clacky and immersive, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) could be the better choice. Its silky smooth actuation, combined with an impeccable factory lube job, ensures each keystroke feels fluid and satisfying, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more robust tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, snappier feel with a unique sound profile or a more solid, resonant keystroke that is equally pleasing to the ear.
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