Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Jupiter Red is known for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, medium-heavy actuation, and softer backlight effects, ideal for those seeking a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, impeccable factory lube job, and silky smooth keystrokes. While the Jupiter Red is described as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', 'High-pitched'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a distinctive typing experience. Both materials offer their own benefits in terms of sound quality, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
While the Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a similar typing experience. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This allows both switches to offer a typing experience that emphasizes the depth and resonance of the sound produced. Despite their differences in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile that enthusiasts can appreciate.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Jupiter Red stands out for its sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more unique and deeper sound with its POM top housing. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a fuller typing experience that emphasizes the sound qualities of the material. Whether you prefer a brighter, more resonant sound or a deeper, more muted typing experience, both switches provide distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it heavier than the Strawberry Wine (V2), which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the actuation force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, the Jupiter Red requires more force to fully bottom out compared to the lighter Strawberry Wine (V2). This makes the Jupiter Red better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch the shorter option compared to the Jupiter Red switch. The shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine (V2) may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Jupiter Red may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. In this case, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preferences regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing needs. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a unique blend of clacky and resonant notes, delivering a sharp and crisp sound with a higher-pitched tone. The choice between the two depends on personal preferences and the overall auditory experience desired.
Moving on to the feel, the Jupiter Red switch is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. This switch provides a sleek and refined feel to the user's fingertips. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as silky, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing sensation with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct tactile qualities.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Jupiter Red excels in its medium-heavy actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for various users. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch stands out with its resonant and clacky notes, coupled with a silky smooth typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium actuation force and a smooth, consistent typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a silky smooth typing experience with resonant and clacky notes, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences and whether you prioritize actuation force or sound and feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose based on what aligns best with your preferences.
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