TTC Ice vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options to match their personal preferences. The TTC Ice switch stands out with its visually striking transparent design, combined with a smooth and responsive feel that enhances both gaming and typing experiences. Its satisfying bottom-out sound offers a premium touch, making it an attractive choice for users who appreciate subtle auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is characterized by its resonant, clacky notes and an impeccable factory lube job, providing a silky smooth touch and a unique auditory experience that many find irresistible. While the Ice focuses on a refined, clean sound profile ideal for various applications, the Strawberry Wine (V2) appeals to those who relish a more pronounced acoustic feedback during their typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles during use. The TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, characterized by a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This uniformity across both housings ensures a consistent sound quality wherein the top housing accentuates clarity and brightness, especially beneficial for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows vibrant light to shine through. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a combination of Ly for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, wherein the Ly offers a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. This divergence creates a unique experience, as the top housing emphasizes higher frequencies while the nylon bottom housing, being softer, absorbs sound for a deeper and fuller characteristic.
The difference in materials dictates how the two switches respond under finger pressure, highlighting contrasting auditory feedback. The TTC Ice’s consistent polycarbonate housing leads to a unified sound experience, where the clarity from both the top and bottom contributes to a dynamic keystroke feedback. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) creates a split sound profile; the Ly top housing delivers bright, resonant feedback when keys are released, while the softer nylon bottom housing offers a subdued, warmer sound when the keys bottom out. The interaction between these materials means that the overall typing experience will differ considerably, with the Ice delivering clarity and brightness throughout, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a sharper top response paired with a fuller lower-end sound.
Ultimately, while both switches aim to provide an engaging typing experience, their differing materials curate unique sound profiles. If one were to find similarities between them, it could be akin to achieving a balanced sound composition; both switches serve to enhance the overall keyboard experience, tailored to distinct preferences. Users who favor the polycarbonate's clarity might find the Ice more appealing, while those who appreciate the warmer, resonant sound signature might gravitate towards the Strawberry Wine (V2). Each switch, through its choice of housing materials, encapsulates different auditory aesthetics that ultimately reflect personal preferences in sound and feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar effort required to trigger a keystroke with either switch. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Ice recording a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a lower bottom out force of 52 grams. This difference means that while both switches feel the same at the point of actuation, the Ice switch requires more force to bottom out, resulting in a heavier overall feel compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2), which is lighter due to its lower bottom out pressure. Users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions might lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2), while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may favor the heavier feel of the Ice switch.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they provide the same amount of movement when pressed down. This similarity in travel distance suggests that both switches will yield comparable tactile feedback and actuation feel, allowing users to expect a consistent experience in terms of key press depth. Therefore, whether using the Ice or the Strawberry Wine (V2), typists and gamers alike can anticipate similar results in response to their keystrokes due to the matched travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 sound profile of the TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by its satisfying bottom-out sound; while it may not be as elaborate as the Strawberry Wine (V2), it still provides a pleasant auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, particularly for users who appreciate a premium feel without excessive noise. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a rich auditory experience with its clacky and resonant notes. Users can expect a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that adds an engaging layer to each keystroke. This high-pitched sound profile can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a more lively keyboard experience, making it a stark contrast to the more subdued yet polished notes of the Ice switch.
When it comes to their tactile sensations, the TTC Ice linear switch is renowned for delivering a smooth and responsive typing experience. This quality makes it well-suited for both gaming and daily tasks without any hindrances from resistance when pressing the keys. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) excels in providing a silky typing feel, aided by its impeccable factory lube job. This enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke, further minimizing any friction during typing, making it a pleasure for users who value a seamless and fluid experience.
In summary, if you are looking for a switch that offers a more understated yet premium auditory experience, the TTC Ice might be your go-to choice, especially with its smooth feel suited for various tasks. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant sound and a silky smooth typing experience, making it enticing for both gaming and typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing newcomers to select based on their sound and feel preferences, ensuring a fulfilling keyboard experience regardless of the choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you gravitate towards a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a premium typing experience that caters well to both gaming and everyday tasks, then the Ice switch, with its responsive feel and satisfying sound, may be the better option for you. Its crystal-clear design adds an aesthetic touch that some users may find appealing, contributing to a unique typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 52 grams and enjoy a clacky, resonant auditory feedback, the Strawberry Wine (V2) might better suit your needs. Its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to an impeccable factory lube job, enhance both sound and feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a crisp and percussive typing experience. Ultimately, consider whether you favor a more balanced tactile response with a pleasing yet subtle audio profile or prefer a lively and bright sound combined with a smooth typing sensation; this distinction will guide you towards the switch that enhances your keyboard experience the most.
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