Huano Sakura vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Sakura and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) present two compelling options for those who prefer linear switches. The Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions where comfort and minimal fatigue are key priorities. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique auditory experience with its resonant and clacky sound profile, combined with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures each keystroke feels silky smooth. While the Sakura focuses on a more subdued tactile experience, the Strawberry Wine combines sound and feel in a way that can invigorate your typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, giving users distinct sensory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches exhibit a dichotomy in their top housing materials, showcasing distinct sound profiles and performance characteristics. The Sakura utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which is renowned for its smoothness and durability, boasting a slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to the LY material used in the Strawberry Wine (V2). While the LY material contributes to a bright and resonant sound signature, the POK's superior shock resistance and wear resistance provide a contrasting experience that enhances the clackiness and durability of the switch. As a result, users might find that the Sakura offers a more stable and robust typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine is geared towards those seeking a lighter, more airy keystroke.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Huano Sakura and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon, a material celebrated for its sound absorption properties. The softness of nylon leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which produces a rounder and duller acoustic signature when typing. Since both switches utilize this same bottom housing material, the auditory experience during bottom-out is likely to be comparable, allowing for a richer and more immersive typing sensation regardless of which switch is chosen. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both types of switches will provide users with a satisfying depth in sound during their typing sessions.
The combination of different top housing materials in the Sakura and Strawberry Wine (V2) results in unique typing experiences characterized by their respective sound profiles and feedback. While the Sakura's POK top is engineered for durability and smoothness, delivering a robust tactile feel and sound upon release, the LY top in the Strawberry Wine enhances the overall brightness and resonance of the switch. Ultimately, the selection between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the type of sound signature desired, as both share the same nylon bottom housing that unites their auditory characteristics during key presses. Thus, even with varying top housings, users are likely to find a familiar depth in the acoustic response, making both switches appealing in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for users looking for a lighter switch, the Huano Sakura is the better option, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is favored by those who prefer more resistance in their keystrokes. Both switches showcase different characteristics, and their differing actuation forces will result in distinct tactile experiences during use.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity ensures that users will experience comparable results in terms of key feel and actuation depth with either switch. As both switches have the same travel distance, they are likely to provide a consistent typing experience in terms of feedback and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 it comes to sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch has a medium acoustic profile, which provides a balanced auditory experience that's not overly intrusive. This makes it more suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment, particularly during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a much more dynamic soundscape with its clacky and resonant notes. These switches produce a sharp, bright sound that's crisp and percussive. Users can expect a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, creating a lively background that is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Sakura switch is noted for its feather-light touch, which makes it comfortable for extended use, allowing typists to glide through their work with ease. This lighter actuation can reduce fatigue during longer typing sessions. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is characterized by its silky smoothness, due in part to an impeccable factory lube job, which minimizes resistance during keystrokes. This smooth experience can enhance the overall typing pleasure, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. While both switches focus on providing comfort, the Sakura prioritizes a lighter touch, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) emphasizes a luxurious smoothness.
Overall, both the Huano Sakura and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches cater to different preferences. The Sakura is ideal for those who seek a subdued sound and a light touch, making it suitable for long typing sessions without distraction. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) will appeal to those who enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound combined with a super smooth feel. Users will find that depending on their environment and typing style, they could derive similar satisfaction from both switches: one through a gentle touch and muted acoustics, and the other through a vibrant auditory experience and silky keystrokes.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch should depend largely on your typing preferences and overall experience. If you favor a feather-light touch that allows for effortless key presses, particularly if you engage in long typing sessions, the Sakura is your ideal companion with its 45 grams of bottom out force and moderate acoustics. This switch caters well to those who appreciate a softer feel and a balanced auditory environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy a little more resistance that provides tactile reassurance as you type, along with an engaging sound profile characterized by crisp, clacky, and resonant tones, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be more suitable for you. With a slightly firmer 52 grams of bottom out force and a silky smooth actuation thanks to its excellent factory lubrication, this switch is perfect if you seek an immersive auditory experience to accompany your keystrokes. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize a lighter touch for comfort or a more tactile, resonant feedback for enjoyment; both switches have their distinct advantages, tailored to different typing styles and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
