Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Oil King and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile, resembling the snap of a dark chocolate bar. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is known for its resonant and clacky notes, offering an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences - whether you prefer a creamy and bassy feel with the Oil King or a high-pitched and clacky experience with the Strawberry Wine. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is clear that both switches use nylon for the top housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. However, the Oil King's nylon top housing is said to create a duller and rounder sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite this difference, the overall typing experience on both switches may be similar in terms of sound profile, with slight variations in tone and depth.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gateron Oil King uses a proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the top housing material. Therefore, pressing down on the Oil King switch will provide a different sound and feel compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2), with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choices of top and bottom housing materials for the Gateron Oil King and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) lead to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share the use of nylon in their top housing, the differences in the bottom housing material result in contrasting sound profiles. The Oil King's proprietary INK blend creates a clacky sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the variation in housing materials highlights the importance of material selection in shaping the overall typing experience of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it becomes evident that the Oil King has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Oil King provides a medium-heavy typing experience, requiring a more substantial push feel, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Oil King being on the heavier side and the Strawberry Wine (V2) being on the lighter side. Depending on personal preference for typing comfort and endurance, one may choose either switch based on their desired level of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Oil King has the longer travel distance compared to the Strawberry Wine. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Strawberry Wine may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a switch with a bit more depth to the key press, the Oil King would be the suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, so it would depend on personal preference as to which one would be the more preferred choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 Oil King linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving a mellow and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as clacky, resonant, and high-pitched, providing a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience. While both switches offer a smooth and pleasant sound, the Oil King leans towards a deeper and mellower tone, while the Strawberry Wine emphasizes a sharper and brighter sound.
Moving on to feel, both switches offer a silky smooth typing experience. The Oil King is noted for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel, attributing to its lube job at the factory and the materials used. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) excels in providing a silky typing sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness and reducing resistance during key presses. Both switches prioritize a fluid and effortless typing experience, making them desirable choices for enthusiasts looking for a comfortable and satisfying typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Oil King offers a more low-pitched and creamy sound with a silky and buttery feel, the Strawberry Wine stands out with its clacky and resonant sound, paired with a silky typing sensation. Whether you prefer a deeper, mellow sound or a sharp, crisp tone, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that will surely elevate your mechanical keyboard setup. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, or buttery typing feel, then the Oil King switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and appreciate a mix of clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sounds with a silky typing feel, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience and auditory feedback.
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