Durock Ice King Linear vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a smooth typing experience thanks to their factory lubrication. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky and frictionless feel with a subdued and creamy touch, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is known for its clacky and resonant notes along with a high-pitched feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique characteristics that result in a deep and full sound profile when typing. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is more muted in comparison to nylon. Despite these differences, both housing materials contribute to a rich typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ice King Linear and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon, which again is known for its softer plastic properties that absorb sound and create a fuller sound profile. This material choice for the bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and more impactful bottom-out sound and feel when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing further enhances the overall typing experience by providing a rounder sound that is characteristic of this housing material.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch can result in a unique typing experience for users. The bottom housing of a switch, such as nylon in the case of both the Ice King Linear and the Strawberry Wine (V2), will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether nylon or POM, will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound profile and typing experience due to their use of nylon in the bottom housing, despite the different top housing materials employed.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear requires 62 grams to fully press the key, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) only needs 50 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear switch provides a more substantial typing experience with heavier forces, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a lighter touch for typing for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The comparison between the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch reveals a slight difference in travel distance. The Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This may not seem like a significant variation, but for some users, even a 0.1 mm variance can make a difference in feel and performance. Generally, a shorter travel distance like that of the Strawberry Wine (V2) can provide faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear, with its slightly longer travel distance, may offer a more deliberate and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued experience, providing a dampened sound when pressed that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch produces a more clacky and resonant sound, with sharp and snappy notes that create a clean and immersive auditory experience. The Ice King Linear switch may be more suitable for those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch caters to those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the Ice King Linear and the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ice King Linear switch is also noted for its frictionless and creamy feel, providing a buttery sensation when typing. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch focuses on delivering a smooth and refined typing experience, similar to the polished finish of a switch, resulting in reduced friction and fluid key travel. Overall, both switches excel in providing a silky smooth typing experience that is favored by many enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Linear switch provides a more subdued sound profile and a silky-smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch produces a clacky and resonant sound and focuses on delivering a refined typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Linear switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a clacky and resonant sound profile, and a silky typing feel, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch could be the perfect match for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual typing preferences and what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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