Gazzew LT vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT 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 stand out are the Gazzew LT and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). The Gazzew LT, a linear switch, is renowned for its enticing lilac hue and the deep, resonant thockiness it produces while typing, providing a smooth and seamless glide with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), also a linear switch, offers a different experience with its resonant and clacky notes, along with an impeccable factory lube job that results in a silky smooth typing experience. While the LT is known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as clacky, resonant, silky, and high-pitched. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for its softness and rich, deep sound. In comparison, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. While both materials aim to enhance the sound of the switch, they do so in slightly different ways, appealing to different preferences in sound.
On the bottom housing front, the Gazzew LT continues to use its proprietary blend, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for a nylon bottom housing. The Gazzew blend is lauded for its softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, while nylon is praised for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the Gazzew blend offering a unique sound and feel compared to the nylon housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2).
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel. The qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release. While the Gazzew LT and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may have different housing materials, both aim to provide a rich and deep sound profile, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate unique and pleasing typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The LT switch has an actuation force of None grams, which means it is likely a very light switch in terms of initial force required to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the LT switch. In terms of bottom out force, the LT switch requires 65 grams of force, categorizing it as medium-heavy, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch only requires 50 grams, which is considered light. These variations in force make the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch lighter in overall feel compared to the Gazzew LT switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the LT. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the LT with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Strawberry Wine (V2). Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 Gazzew LT linear switch is best known for its bassy and thocky characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as clacky and resonant, offering a sharp and crisp sound with a higher-pitched tone. While both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience, the LT switch leans towards a deeper, more bass-heavy sound, while the Strawberry Wine switch offers a brighter and more percussive tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Gazzew LT linear switch is known for its smooth gliding experience with every keystroke, creating a seamless typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is praised for its silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a high level of tactile satisfaction, with the LT focusing on glide and the Strawberry Wine enhancing smoothness.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The LT excels in providing a deep, resonant sound profile with a seamless glide, while the Strawberry Wine switch impresses with its sharp, clacky notes and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a bassier or higher-pitched sound, and a glide or smooth feel, both switches offer exceptional qualities that will enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, when choosing between the two, you can expect to achieve similar levels of satisfaction in terms of sound and feel, with slight variations in tone and texture.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile with a seamless glide, then the LT switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and appreciate a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound profile with an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel and sound characteristics.
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