Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stand out for their unique characteristics and tactile experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying blend of auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes, all at an accessible price point. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is recognized for its clacky and resonant notes, paired with a remarkably smooth feel thanks to an impeccable factory lube job. While both switches are linear in nature, appealing to those who prefer a non-clicky typing experience, they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile sensations. The Sea Salt Smoothie prioritizes a robust and muted sound, making it suitable for quieter environments, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a vibrant acoustic experience that can enhance typing enjoyment. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a significant distinction arises between the compositions of their top housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is crafted from POM, a material known for producing a unique sound character that leans towards deeper and more muted tones. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a Ly top housing that is more contemporary, generating a bright sound profile marked by resonant clacks during typing. This difference in material directly influences the auditory experience of each switch: while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more subdued sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a vibrant, lively auditory feedback upon key release.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Sea Salt Smoothie continues its POM theme with a bottom housing that mirrors the qualities found in its top housing—an emphasis on deep, muted sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) employs nylon for its bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic formulation. This results in a fuller and rounder sound profile, straying slightly from the bright resonance found in its top housing. Thus, the character of the bottom housing accentuates the finishing nuances of each switch: the POM imparts a consistent sound, while the nylon introduces a more pronounced depth, further diversifying the auditory experience during typing.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in both the top and bottom housings of these switches lead to a unique interplay of auditory and tactile responses. Even though the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a more muted and deep sound across both housings, achieving a similar sound signature between the two switches would require careful consideration in terms of how these materials interact. The Sea Salt Smoothie may produce a smooth and pleasant typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) brings forth a combination of bright sounds and rounder tones, allowing typists to choose based on their preferred auditory feedback. Despite their differences, there is an opportunity to achieve diverse sound profiles based on the composition, thereby showcasing the vast potential of switch design and material selection in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Strawberry Wine (V2), which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a more substantial push feel, potentially catering to users who prefer a stronger typing experience, while the lighter Strawberry Wine (V2) could be more suitable for those looking to type for extended periods without fatigue. In terms of bottom out forces, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a measurable bottom out force of 52 grams. This indicates that even though the actuation forces are close, the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides additional feedback when a key is fully pressed down. As such, users seeking a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2), while those preferring a heavier option may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for its firmer actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Sea Salt Smoothie having a travel distance of 3.7 mm and the Strawberry Wine (V2) at 3.6 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the longer option, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key, offering a more substantial tactile experience. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which could be more desirable for gamers or those seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, while the difference is minimal, the choice between these switches may hinge on personal preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile, which suggests a deep, muffled tone that feels rich and satisfying when typing. This type of sound can give a reassuring auditory feedback that is often preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) produces resonant and clacky notes, which add a bright, snappy quality to each keystroke. This combination of sound characteristics creates an engaging auditory experience, making typing feel much livelier. So, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper thock, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a more pronounced, percussive sound. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a deeper thock or a sharper, clackier experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is known for its medium weight and smooth operation, which implies a balanced experience that is neither too heavy nor too light, allowing for comfortable typing over extended periods. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is highlighted for its silky smoothness due to an impeccable factory lube job, which enhances the keystroke experience by minimizing friction and providing fluidity on each press. This emphasis on smoothness in the Strawberry Wine (V2) could appeal to those who want a premium, luxurious typing sensation. While the exact feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie is not specified, it seems to provide a quality experience that would likely be quite pleasant for an average user.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Sea Salt Smoothie provides a rich, thocky sound and a solid feel that supports reliable typing, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a more resonant, clacky auditory experience wrapped in a silky smooth tactile sensation. Ultimately, your preference between the two will boil down to whether you'd rather enjoy a deeper acoustic ambiance or a sharper auditory highlight, combined with the type of tactile sensation you wish to experience while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences and the auditory experience you seek. If you're looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and offers a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be your ideal choice. Its smoothness ensures minimal friction during key presses, making it suitable for both typing and gaming while delivering an enjoyable acoustic feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a resonant, clacky, and high-pitched sound along with a notably silky feel due to its impressive factory lubrication, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be the way to go. Its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams strikes a balance that makes it responsive yet comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the smoothness and subtle thock of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the lively, auditory clarity of the Strawberry Wine (V2).
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