Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, the decision may ultimately come down to your personal preference in typing experience. The Ice King Tactile offers a harmonious blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience that is both creamy and precise. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches boast a clacky and resonant feel, complemented by a factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. While the Ice King Tactile is characterized as 'silky', 'frictionless', and 'subdued', the Strawberry Wine (V2) is described as 'clacky', 'resonant', and 'high-pitched'. 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
58g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Durock Ice King Tactile and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature nylon top housing materials that create a deep and full sound profile when typing. The nylon material in both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that many users find pleasing. This similarity in top housing material can lead to a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
While the Ice King Tactile uses nylon for its bottom housing, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing as well. This shared choice of housing material means that both switches will offer a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. The relatively softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics contributes to a fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, such as the Ice King Tactile and Strawberry Wine (V2), the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This distribution results in a nuanced typing experience where the impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique sound profile that is deep and somewhat muted, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile is heavier while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is lighter. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2) for longer typing periods, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Ice King Tactile. Both switches provide different tactile feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. The Ice King Tactile switch may provide a slightly deeper press due to its longer travel distance, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a slightly quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a more responsive feel or a more substantial key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its subdued and dampened sound profile, offering a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is characterized by its clacky and resonant notes, producing a sharp, snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and higher-pitched. The Ice King Tactile may be more suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) would appeal to those who enjoy a more lively and vibrant sound while typing.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is lauded for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the switch is described as stepped, providing a nuanced tactile feedback with two distinct stages in the keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is also praised for its silky feel, offering a smooth typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches excel in providing a polished typing experience, thanks to either the materials used or factory lubrication.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer unique and premium typing experiences, each with its own distinct qualities. While the Ice King Tactile provides a more subdued and refined sound and feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a clacky and resonant typing experience that is crisp and sharp. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing sessions. Both switches promise a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that users will be satisfied with their selection regardless of which one they choose.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes, the Ice King Tactile would be an excellent choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a light linear switch with a resonant and clacky sound profile, accompanied by an impeccable factory lube job for a silky typing experience, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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