Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Gateron Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel and offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It is praised for its smoothness and clackiness, making it a popular choice for those seeking a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are lauded for their resonant and clacky notes, accompanied by an impeccable factory lube job that results in silky smooth keystrokes. While both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is clear that they offer unique sound profiles due to their different top housing materials. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly affect the typing experience and preference of users, with some favoring the sharpness of the Ink Yellow and others preferring the deeper sound of the Strawberry Wine.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a similar pointed and higher-pitched sound profile as its top housing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a unique combination of sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. This dual-material approach ensures that users can enjoy a well-rounded typing experience that satisfies both sound and feel preferences.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their distinct sound profiles. Whether one prefers the clacky and sharp sound of the Ink Yellow or the deeper and fuller sound of the Strawberry Wine, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, one can see a clear difference in weight. The Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it more medium-heavy in terms of resistance. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that the Strawberry Wine (V2) will require less pressure to activate a keystroke and fully press a key compared to the Ink Yellow. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be the ideal choice. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Ink Yellow for its heavier weight. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on desired typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear 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 that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Ink Yellow is slightly longer, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine offers a slightly quicker actuation, which can be advantageous for those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that can cater to different preferences depending on the user's priorities.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its neutral and clacky characteristics, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a resonant, clacky, and high-pitched sound profile, giving a more immersive auditory experience with crisp and bright notes. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but if you enjoy a clacky sound, you can expect similar results from either switch depending on your choice of board and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is characterized by its mild and polished qualities, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Ink Yellow switch leans towards a more middle-ground typing experience, the Strawberry Wine switch focuses on maximizing smoothness for the user. Again, if you prefer a silky typing experience, both switches can deliver comparable results with their respective features.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch each bring unique characteristics to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow offers a neutral and clacky sound with a mild and polished feel, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts a resonant and high-pitched sound profile alongside a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience that suits your individual needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you seek.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smoother, clackier feel similar to a laptop keyboard but with a bit more resistance, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with resonant and clacky notes, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be an excellent option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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