Kailh Plum vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum 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, the Kailh Plum and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Plum, a tactile switch, is distinct for its weightiness without a significant tactile bump, providing a rare combination in the tactile switch category. Its sound profile is neutral and pleasant, offering a different tactile experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a linear switch, stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, complemented by an impeccable factory lube job that creates a smooth keystroke experience. While both switches have their own strengths, the Plum leans towards a mild and stepped tactile experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched input. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Plum's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Plum switch allows for better resonance and clarity, making it ideal for users looking for a more vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing in the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Plum and Strawberry Wine (V2) switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that appeals to users seeking a more tactile typing experience. Despite both switches using the same bottom housing material, the slight differences in design and construction may lead to subtle variations in the typing feel and sound output between the two switches.
Overall, while the Kailh Plum and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches share a similar bottom housing material in nylon, their top housing materials differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Plum switch with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those who prioritize clarity and brightness in their typing experience. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch with its POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, catering to users looking for a quieter and more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Plum switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch with a substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a lighter typing experience. The difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Plum being suitable for those who prefer a heavier push feel, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is ideal for individuals looking for a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being more suitable for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their quick response times, with the Plum being slightly longer in travel distance than the Strawberry Wine. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Strawberry Wine for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Plum. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing users with a responsive typing or gaming experience.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its resonant and clacky notes, providing a sharp and percussive sound that some users may find more engaging and immersive. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more neutral sound with the Plum switch or a more dynamic and vibrant sound with the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Plum tactile switch is described as mild and stepped, providing a gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile bump. In comparison, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is noted for its silky smooth feel, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Plum switch may appeal to those looking for a more moderate typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is ideal for users seeking a buttery smooth feel with each keystroke.
Overall, the subjective qualities of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Plum switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch presents a more resonant and clacky sound with a silky smooth feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the bottom out force preference - the Plum has a medium-heavy force of 70 grams while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a lighter force of 50 grams. If you enjoy a unique tactile experience without a huge bump and prefer a neutral sound profile, the Plum may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a resonant and clacky sound with impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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