Zuoce Lavender vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Zuoce Lavender and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). The Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, delivering a crisp and clacky sound signature that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine switches are known for their resonant and clacky notes, coupled with an impeccable factory lube job that provides a silky smooth typing experience. While the Lavender switch is labeled as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender features a POM top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing like the Lavender, resulting in a similar sound profile. However, the Strawberry Wine (V2) differs in its bottom housing material, which is made of nylon. This nylon bottom housing is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to POM, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both the Zuoce Lavender and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) featuring a POM top housing, the different bottom housing materials they employ affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Lavender's POM bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, adding to the deeper and more muted tones. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its nylon bottom housing provides a fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound and create a rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing materials results in unique typing experiences for each switch, with the Zuoce Lavender offering a more muted sound and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a fuller sound.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom and top housing materials of a switch play distinct roles in the sound and feel when pressing down and releasing a key. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Zuoce Lavender and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), the different bottom housing materials result in varying typing experiences, with the Lavender offering a deeper and more muted sound due to its POM bottom housing, and the Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. In contrast, the Lavender switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is the same, both measuring 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The consistency in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of key travel. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that provides a satisfying typing feel for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Zuoce Lavender and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This results in a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a crisp and bright sound with each keystroke. Additionally, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience that stands out during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is noted for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Lavender and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Lavender switch focuses on easy pressing and a clacky sound signature, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch emphasizes a silky feel and a mix of clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sounds. Whether you prefer a smooth typing experience or a sharp auditory feedback, both switches provide distinct characteristics that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you'll want to consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a medium-light bottom out force and exceptionally smooth keystrokes straight out of the box, the Lavender switch with its crisp and clacky sound signature may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a resonant and clacky sound profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch with its impeccable factory lube job would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force requirements.
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