Outemu Silent Grey vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Silent Grey stands out for its quiet and highly tactile feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are known for their resonant and clacky notes, accompanied by a silky smooth feel thanks to the impeccable factory lube job. While the Silent Grey is ideal for those seeking a silent yet tactile typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) appeals to users who enjoy a more clacky and resonant feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we can see significant differences. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Silent Grey offering a crisper sound and the Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a more pleasing and unique sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This means that both the Silent Grey and the Strawberry Wine (V2) will elicit a similar sound profile when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the similarities in bottom housing, the key difference in sound between these switches lies in their top housing materials, with polycarbonate and POM offering distinct sound characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound. Ultimately, users looking for a sharper, crisper sound may prefer the Silent Grey, while those seeking a unique and pleasing sound experience may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it becomes clear that the Silent Grey is heavier while the Strawberry Wine is lighter. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more lightweight option. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the force required to trigger a keypress, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press a key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some opting for the lighter feel of the Strawberry Wine for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier touch of the Silent Grey for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Silent Grey offers a more substantial depth when pressing down on the keys, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but overall, they both provide quality performance for their respective travel distances.
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 Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a more lively and clacky sound profile, which can add a sense of excitement to your typing sessions. The Strawberry Wine (V2) switch also boasts a high-pitched and resonant sound, providing a unique auditory experience that some users may find appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is praised for its tactile feedback, thanks to a pronounced bump that offers a satisfying typing experience. However, details on the exact feel of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch are not provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. That being said, the mention of a silky smooth typing experience with the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch implies that it offers a level of smoothness that may appeal to those who prioritize a frictionless typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is best suited for individuals looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch caters to those who enjoy a more lively and resonant sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities, and the decision between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. However, if a user prefers the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch but enjoys the sound of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch, they could achieve a similar typing experience by combining different switches with their preferred attributes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, then the Silent Grey switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with resonant and clacky notes, impeccable factory lube job for smooth keystrokes, and a lighter bottom out force, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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