Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) are two popular options to consider. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a similar feel to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it a great choice for those in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is also a linear switch known for its resonant and clacky keystrokes, coupled with a silky smooth feel thanks to its factory lube job. While the MX Silent Red is characterized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Each switch offers unique qualities that may cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider your typing style and environment. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both use nylon for the top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the MX Silent Red's bottom housing also uses nylon, emphasizing the deep and full sound profile upon key press. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM material for the bottom housing, resulting in a relatively more muted sound that complements the deeper sound produced by the POM top housing.
While both switches share a similar top housing material in nylon, the MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in their bottom housing materials, affecting the overall sound profile and typing experience. The MX Silent Red's combination of nylon top and bottom housing results in a consistent and deep sound on both key press and release. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s mixed housing of POM and nylon creates a unique sound profile that is deeper yet more muted, with the POM bottom housing adding a distinct tone to the typing experience. Overall, the choice of housing material in both switches contributes to their individual sound characteristics and typing feel.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) share similarities in their use of nylon for the top housing, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The MX Silent Red's consistent use of nylon throughout results in a deep and full sound profile, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) introduces a unique element with its POM bottom housing, creating a more muted yet still deep sound. Ultimately, the housing materials of both switches play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles and typing experiences, offering users distinctive options based on their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of both the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is the same at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Cherry MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, as there is a slightly higher force needed to fully press down the key compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. This may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as the bottom out force is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The Cherry MX Silent Red may provide a slightly deeper feel due to its longer travel distance, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may feel slightly more abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback you prefer when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that they offer starkly different auditory experiences. The MX Silent Red is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, creating a soft and deep typing noise that is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch boasts a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp typing noise that may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile and immersive auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as textured, providing a slightly rougher typing experience to some users. On the contrary, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is lauded for its silky feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This difference in tactile feedback can greatly influence user preference based on individual typing styles and preferences.
Considering all available information, it is evident that the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles to cater to a wide range of user preferences. While the MX Silent Red provides a quieter and slightly textured typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch delivers a more resonant and silky smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you value a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, then the MX Silent Red is the way to go. Its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, along with its slightly textured feel, provides a satisfying typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more resonant and clacky sound with a factory-lubed, silky smooth feel, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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