Cherry MX Red vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a unique typing experience. The MX Red is praised for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are known for their resonant and clacky notes, along with an impeccable factory lube job that results in a silky smooth keystroke. While MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, each switch offers its own unique characteristics. 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
45g
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 Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature nylon top housing, which allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) uses a POM top housing, which produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both housing materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, they offer slightly different sound profiles for users to enjoy.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon, which also enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Although the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, the impact of the top housing should not be overlooked. The differences in material composition between the two switches' top and bottom housings contribute to unique sound profiles that users may find appealing based on their preferences.
Overall, the Cherry MX Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer similar typing experiences due to the use of nylon for their housing materials. Both switches provide a deep and full sound profile that is characterized by the softer plastic composition of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. While the Cherry MX Red uses nylon for both top and bottom housing, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes POM for the top housing, offering a slightly different sound profile that is on the deeper side and more muted. Regardless of these subtle differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience. However, the Cherry MX Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. This difference means that the Sarokeys switch may offer a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. In terms of weight, the MX Red is lighter in terms of bottom out force than the Strawberry Wine (V2), offering a smoother typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter weights being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier weights providing a more solid typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the MX Red has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) at 3.4 mm. The MX Red offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine (V2) for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the MX Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the MX Red may feel slightly more pronounced due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a unique clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound that is crisp, bright, and sharp, creating an immersive typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the MX Red switch may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and bass-heavy tone, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is ideal for individuals looking for a sharper and more percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which can provide added friction when typing. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This difference in feel can cater to different typing preferences, with the MX Red switch satisfying those who enjoy a slightly textured typing experience and the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch appealing to users who prefer a smoother feel.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red switch offers a deeper and textured typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides a more resonant and silky smooth feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch preference, you can achieve similar results with either switch in terms of overall performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the MX Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother typing experience with sharp and snappy clacky sounds, along with an impeccable factory lube job for silky keystrokes, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch could be the perfect fit. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two excellent linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual needs.
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