Cherry MX Orange vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Cherry MX Orange and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), both categorized as linear switches. The Cherry MX Orange, revered for reviving the original MX Orange switches, offers a smooth and consistent keystroke ideal for those who appreciate reliability and subtle feedback without tactile bumps. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) brings a unique sound profile with its resonant and clacky notes, complemented by a silky smooth action thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. While the smoothness of the MX Orange makes it a solid choice for typists and gamers who prefer a quieter experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) will attract those who delight in an engaging auditory experience during use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Orange and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, significantly impacting their sound profiles. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which helps to absorb sound rather than reflect it. This results in a more muted auditory experience that produces a duller and rounder sound when typing. In comparison, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a Ly top housing, a newer material that is designed to deliver a brightly resonant sound signature. The clacky acoustics that arise from the Ly material suggest a sharp contrast to the creamy softness of the nylon used in the MX Orange, resulting in distinct auditory experiences when engaging with each switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Cherry MX Orange and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) share a commonality: both employ nylon. The nylon bottom housing used in both switches resonates with a deeper, fuller sound profile and absorbs impact effectively, providing a similar auditory quality when bottoming out. This similarity ensures that, despite the differing top housings, there is a consistency in feel and sound when pressing the keys down. The softer characteristic of nylon contributes to a rounded bottom-out sound for both switches, creating a cohesive experience in this aspect.
When considering the overall typing experience, the differences in the top housing materials take center stage. The MX Orange, with its nylon top, balances the deeper sound profile provided by its bottom housing, offering a smooth and muted return sound. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2), with its Ly top housing, enhances the overall typing experience with its distinctive, bright resonant clacks when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that contributes to a fuller sound on bottoming out, they diverge significantly in their top housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound signatures and tactile feedback during use.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) requires only 45 grams to actuate, which makes it the lighter option. This difference in actuation force can significantly affect typing comfort—those who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions may prefer the Strawberry Wine (V2), while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might lean towards the MX Orange. Regarding bottom out force, the Cherry MX Orange does not have a specified value, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorized as medium-light. This suggests that users of the Strawberry Wine (V2) will feel a more cushioned experience when hitting the bottom, while the MX Orange's bottoming out characteristics are unknown. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch should opt for the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), whereas those who prefer a stronger push feel may find the Cherry MX Orange more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Cherry MX Orange features a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a traditional depth that many users enjoy, particularly those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to the modern preference for quicker response times, especially favored by gamers. This shorter travel distance can enhance typing speed and responsiveness, though some may find it too abrupt. Thus, in this comparison, the Cherry MX Orange is the longer option, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more compact travel distance, making it ideal for users seeking a balance between responsiveness and comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switches have a reputation for being muted and subtle, creating a less intrusive typing experience. This makes them suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches produce a distinctly clacky and resonant sound, characterized by crisp, bright, and percussive notes. They offer an immersive auditory experience with a high-pitched and clean sound profile that can be quite engaging, especially for users who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. The clear disparity in sound quality means that if you're seeking a quieter, more subdued typing experience, the MX Orange might be preferable, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is ideal for those who relish auditory stimulation while typing.
When considering feel, the Cherry MX Orange is generally associated with a smooth experience, though specific descriptions are lacking. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are celebrated for their silky smoothness, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall typing experience. This silky feel can make typing less fatiguing and more enjoyable, particularly during long sessions. Although the MX Orange switches also provide a decent typing experience, they may not match the effortlessly smooth feel offered by the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Orange and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches differ significantly in their sound profiles, the MX Orange lends itself to a more reserved typing environment while the Strawberry Wine (V2) caters to those who appreciate an engaging auditory experience. On the tactile side, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out with its silky smooth performance, potentially giving it an edge over the MX Orange in terms of overall typing satisfaction. If you value sound and feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) seems to offer a more engaging experience, whereas the Cherry MX Orange provides a quieter, more restrained alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a truly smooth and responsive experience without any notable force at bottom out, the Cherry MX Orange may be an excellent fit for you, particularly if you enjoy a classic, high-quality switch that minimizes resistance during typing. In contrast, if you prefer a more tactile auditory experience combined with a hint of clackiness, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be more appealing. Known for its resonant and crisp sound, this switch offers a delightful auditory feedback that many find enjoyable, especially during long typing sessions or gaming. Furthermore, the silky smooth feel of the Strawberry Wine enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for those who desire both tactile and audible satisfaction with each keystroke. Thus, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a pure, unadulterated linear feel or seek a lively typing sound complemented by a silky touch.
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