HMX Jelly vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both stand out as excellent choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience, but they offer distinct auditory and tactile characters. The Jelly switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep, and thocky sound signature, paired with an impressively smooth action due to its factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force, making it a prime option for those who prioritize a soft touch and satisfying acoustics during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a resonant and clacky experience, elevating each keystroke into a silky smooth venture thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. This switch resonates with users who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile, adding a vibrant flair to their typing rhythm. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) present a fascinating study in contrast when examining their top housing materials. The HMX Jelly employs a nylon material for its top housing, which is renowned for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. This quality allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound when typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a newer material called Ly for its top housing. This material is characterized by a bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks that stand out vividly when typing. Thus, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the HMX Jelly is more about a warm and subdued resonance, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on sharp and crisp sounds.
When diving into the bottom housing materials, an interesting parallel emerges. Both the HMX Jelly and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Consistent with its application in the top housing of the Jelly, nylon here serves to deepen the overall sound profile, absorbing sound to create a fuller typing experience. Consequently, this means that the performance of the Jelly leverages its nylon bottom housing to maintain that rich auditory experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) similarly benefits from nylon to enhance the muted sound that accompanies its top housing characteristics. This shared material choice suggests that both switches can yield a satisfying typing experience, but diverge in their top housing materials which influence the immediate auditory feedback when releasing a key.
In essence, the contrast between the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) creates a comprehensive understanding of their overall sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Jelly’s nylon top imparts a muffled, deep sound aligning with its bottom housing properties, the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its Ly top thrives on producing a vibrant auditory experience. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches excel in their bottom housing's nylon, ensuring that the tactile feel and sound quality remain closely connected. This dual nature enables users to explore various sound profiles within mechanical keyboards, even if one switch is more focused on deeper tones and the other on brighter resonances.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that influence the typing experience. The HMX Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing sessions due to its relatively low effort requirement. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, positioning it in the medium-light range. This additional weight may provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push during their keystrokes. While both switches are relatively light, the Jelly is the lighter option, appealing to users seeking minimal resistance during long-term use, while the Strawberry Wine offers a marginally firmer response for those preferring a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we find that the HMX Jelly measures 3.8 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Jelly the longer option, offering a more pronounced key press experience, which some users might prefer for its hearty depth. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2), with its shorter travel distance, offers a quicker response time, making it more appealing for gamers who seek faster actuation. While both switches can deliver satisfying results, the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness; those who prefer a deeper press might opt for the Jelly, while those who enjoy a snappier action would lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is noted for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that produces a mellow auditory profile with a satisfying depth. This sound can be quite appealing for users who enjoy a more subdued acoustic experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a uniquely resonant and clacky sound, characterized by its bright, crisp notes. This switch produces a sharper auditory feedback that can be energizing for typists who prefer a more pronounced acoustic engagement. While the Jelly provides a more bass-driven sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) caters to those who relish a higher-pitched and snappy keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly linear switch is distinguished by its exceptional smoothness attributed to factory lubrication, making it an effortless choice for fast typists. Users can expect a lightweight actuation force of 42g, which can facilitate quick and responsive typing. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) enhances the overall typing experience with its silky smoothness; this switch minimizes resistance and offers an incredibly fluid feel with every keystroke. Both switches provide a level of smoothness that enhances user comfort, but the Jelly's lightweight actuation gives it a unique advantage for those valuing speed.
Overall, while both the HMX Jelly and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches cater to linear preferences, they present distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Jelly emphasizes a deep thocky sound and a light, smooth actuation, ideal for users who prioritize a plush acoustic environment and rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) excels with its clacky, resonant sounds and a luxurious silky feel, appealing to those who enjoy both auditory excitement and tactile pleasure. Choosing between them largely depends on whether one prefers a more resonant, bright typing experience versus a rich and subdued sound with lighter actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch should largely depend on your tactile preferences and the kind of auditory feedback you enjoy while typing. If you prefer a lighter actuation and a thocky sound signature that provides a more subdued auditory experience, the Jelly switches, with their lighter 42g actuation force and deep sound profile, will likely be ideal for you. They excel in providing a smooth typing experience that feels effortless, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. Conversely, if you are drawn to a more engaging and resonant typing experience, where each keystroke offers a crisp and clacky sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches would be your go-to option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 52 grams, these switches deliver a sharp and bright sound profile along with silky smooth performance, which can significantly enhance the enjoyment of your typing. Think about what matters more in your typing experience—subtlety or resonance—to make the best choice between these two excellent switches.
Mentioned in this article
