SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange, a tactile switch, and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a linear switch. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine switches are known for their clacky and resonant notes, as well as a silky smooth feel thanks to the impeccable factory lube job. While the Meteor Orange provides a thocky and polished typing experience, the Strawberry Wine offers a high-pitched and clacky feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both use nylon for their top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to many users. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes POM for its top housing, which also creates a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side that is relatively more muted. While both materials offer similar qualities in terms of sound, the Nylon of the Meteor Orange may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the POM of the Strawberry Wine (V2).
In terms of bottom housing, both the Meteor Orange and Strawberry Wine (V2) use nylon, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience. Given that both switches use the same bottom housing material, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory feedback when pressing down on the keys. This consistency in housing material ensures a standardized typing experience across both switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch contribute to a unique typing experience. The Nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange and the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) each offer distinct sound profiles, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall typing feel. Users may find subtle differences in sound and feel when using these switches, but both are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials. Ultimately, whether opting for the Meteor Orange or the Strawberry Wine (V2), users can expect a high-quality switch with a distinct sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Strawberry Wine (V2) with a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Meteor Orange has no specified actuation force, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) requires 45 grams to actuate a keystroke. This means that the Meteor Orange offers a medium-light typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a lighter touch. Those who prefer longer typing sessions may appreciate the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry Wine (V2), while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Meteor Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Meteor Orange offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and key depth. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a slightly shorter travel distance, favored by gamers for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the desired key feel and response speed. Both switches offer unique benefits, so it is important to consider your individual typing or gaming style when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement with a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch produces a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound, creating a sharp and bright auditory experience. If you enjoy a more neutral and thocky sound, the Meteor Orange switch would be a great choice, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is perfect for those who prefer a lively and resonant typing sound.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, delivering a gentle typing feel with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and ensuring a pleasurable keystroke. If you prefer a mild and polished typing experience, the Meteor Orange switch would suit you well, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is ideal for those seeking an exceptionally smooth typing feel.
Overall, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, or a clacky and resonant sound with a silky smooth typing experience, both switches deliver excellent performance. Ultimately, your choice between the two would depend on your personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a gentle typing experience with soft tactility and neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a switch with resonant and clacky sound profile, as well as impeccable factory lubing for a silky smooth typing experience, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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