Dareu Holly vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a linear switch. The Dareu Holly switch offers a balanced and distinctive typing experience with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches provide a silky smooth typing experience with resonant and clacky notes, thanks to an impeccable factory lube job. While the Dareu Holly switch caters to users looking for a 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral' typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch falls under the categories of 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preferences; 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
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), one noticeable difference is in the top housing material. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a POM top housing that produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, as they may prefer a crisper sound or a deeper tone depending on their personal preferences.
Another point of comparison is in the bottom housing material used for both switches. Both the Holly and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom sections of the switches leads to a distinct typing experience for the Dareu Holly and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). While the Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, its nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique sound experience with its POM top housing producing a deeper and more muted sound, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a similar deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Holly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Strawberry Wine (V2) requires 50 grams to bottom out, whereas the Holly's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Strawberry Wine (V2) is lighter in terms of bottoming out. The actuation force of the Holly may provide users with a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be preferred by those looking for a smoother and lighter keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces for a typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly 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. In this case, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a shorter travel distance compared to the Holly. The Holly's 4 mm travel distance falls more on the traditional side, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its 3.4 mm travel distance offers a shallower feel, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Holly switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch boasts resonant and clacky notes, with a factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth keystroke. Both switches have clacky characteristics, but the Holly introduces a chirpy element that sets it apart. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Holly offering a more unique sound profile compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2).
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Holly switch does not have specific descriptors provided, whereas the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as offering a silky typing experience. A silky switch is known for its exceptionally smooth feel, enhancing overall typing comfort by reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the specific feel of the Holly switch is unknown, users who prefer a smoother typing experience may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch due to its silky feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly excels in providing a distinctive blend of chirpy and clacky sound elements, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes with a smooth, silky feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Holly offering a more balanced and unique sound profile and the Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Holly if you prioritize a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a medium 50g actuation force. On the other hand, choose the Strawberry Wine (V2) if you prefer switches with resonant and clacky notes, coupled with an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience with a light 50g bottom out force. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for sound profile and typing feel.
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