Durock Piano vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Piano and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), both of which are linear switches. The Durock Piano is celebrated for its proprietary material blend, providing users with a pleasant typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', the Piano switch offers a unique tactile feedback that is both smooth and satisfying. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch boasts resonant and clacky notes, paired with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. With categories of 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched', the Strawberry Wine switch offers a distinct typing experience that is both tactile and satisfying. While these general pointers provide insight into the key characteristics of each switch, diving deeper into their specific features and performance will ultimately help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend top and bottom housing, known for offering a deep and satisfying sound profile. In comparison, the Strawberry Wine (V2) also utilizes a POM top housing, creating a similarly pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. However, the bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) is made of nylon, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Piano.
The difference in housing materials between the Durock Piano and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) reflects in the tactile feedback and sound produced by the switches. The POM top housing of both switches contributes to a unique and deep sound profile, while the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in the Strawberry Wine (V2) enhances the fullness and depth of the sound. Typing on the switches that use nylon housing provides a different tactile experience compared to the Piano, with a softer bottom-out sound and feel that is more rounded and subdued.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in their construction, they both aim to deliver a satisfying and deep sound experience. The proprietary POM blend top housing of the Piano and the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) create a pleasing sound profile that is noticeable for its depth and uniqueness. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a softer and more absorbing experience, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Piano. Despite these differences, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter. The actuation force of the Piano is not specified, whereas the actuation force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) is 45 grams. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its lower bottom out force and actuation force. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Piano with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing intensity and weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option. The Piano switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a shorter travel distance, ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches have their advantages, with the Piano switch offering a deeper feel and the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch providing a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Durock Piano linear switch is best described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound characteristics, providing a sharp, bright, and immersive sound profile. When comparing the two, the Piano switch will give a more bass-heavy sound, while the Strawberry Wine switch will offer a sharper and crisper sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Piano offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, providing an effortless and smooth key press with minimal resistance. Similarly, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is described as having a silky feel, ensuring a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses and releases. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, making them ideal choices for those looking for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel qualities of the Durock Piano and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches, the key difference lies in the sound profile. The Piano switch offers a bassy sound, while the Strawberry Wine switch provides a clacky and resonant sound experience. However, in terms of feel, both switches offer a silky and smooth typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of comfort and ease of typing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal sound preferences and typing feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Durock Piano if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a deep and creamy typing experience, and a bassy sound profile. The Durock Pianos are known for their pleasant feel and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, opt for the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, clacky and resonant sound notes, and impeccable factory lubrication for a silky smooth typing experience. The Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a crisp and bright sound profile with a satisfying tactile feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preference for sound and feel.
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