Gateron Luciola vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) are two distinct linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Luciola is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and smooth, bouncy typing feel, while also producing a "shaken spray paint can" sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) showcases resonant and clacky notes with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that make them appealing to different types of users. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users, depending on their preference for a sharper or softer sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend once again offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between a high-pitched sound with the Luciola or a deeper sound with the Strawberry Wine (V2) can make a significant difference in the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb more sound and create a rounder sound may appeal to users looking for a more muted typing experience.
While the housing materials for the Gateron Luciola and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in terms of sound profiles, the overall typing experience may still result in similar outcomes. Both switches offer a unique feel and sound when typing, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, users can choose between a sharper, clacky sound with the Luciola or a deeper, more muted sound with the Strawberry Wine (V2) based on their personal preference for typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Luciola has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in weight can significantly impact typing and gaming experiences. Some may prefer the lighter Strawberry Wine (V2) for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while others may prefer the heavier Luciola for a more substantial push feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Strawberry Wine. The Luciola's 3.6 mm travel distance falls on the shorter side of the traditional range of 3.0 to 4.0 mm, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. In both cases, the differences in travel distance may result in a noticeable variation in typing or gaming experience, with the Luciola feeling slightly shallower and the Strawberry Wine offering a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, giving a sharp and crisp auditory experience reminiscent of a metallic echo. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a mix of clacky and resonant notes, providing a more immersive and resonant sound profile that adds to the typing experience. Both switches have a high-pitched sound quality that adds a certain brightness to each keystroke, making them ideal for those who prefer a sharper sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard casing and keycap material.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is praised for its medium heft and smooth, bouncy typing sensation, giving a springy and responsive feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is highlighted for its silky smooth typing experience, providing minimal resistance and a seamless key press and release. The Luciola switch offers a buttery and polished feel, while the Strawberry Wine switch focuses on delivering a silky and effortless typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing different tactile feedback, catering to individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Luciola switch excels in providing a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Strawberry Wine switch offers a silky smooth feel with a mix of clacky and resonant sound notes. Whether you prefer a snappy and polished typing feel or a silky smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, both switches provide excellent options for customizing your mechanical keyboard setup and enhancing your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force and enjoy switches that glow in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for switches with a resonant and clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch may be the better option for you. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what specific typing experience you are looking for. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided to help guide your decision. Happy typing!
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