TTC Silent Red vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that prioritizes a quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) are both excellent options to consider. The Silent Red switch offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides a unique clacky and resonant typing experience with a silky smooth feel thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. While both switches have their own distinct characteristics and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 TTC Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), the key difference lies in their top housing materials. The TTC Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This is in contrast to the Strawberry Wine (V2) with a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. While the materials are different, both offer unique sound profiles, with the Silent Red leaning towards clarity and resonance, and the Strawberry Wine (V2) towards a more pleasing and distinctive sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon as the material. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both the TTC Silent Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) will offer a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound profile. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing provides consistency in typing feel and sound between the two switches.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switches, it's clear that the choice of materials plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance between the sharper, more resonant sound from the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red, and the deeper, muted sound from the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2). Both switches benefit from the softer nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall typing feel and sound. Ultimately, while there are differences in the housing materials of the two switches, they both offer unique and satisfying typing experiences for enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is the same at 45 grams, meaning that you will get similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Red switch requires 63.5 grams, making it heavier compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch, which only needs 50 grams to bottom out. The difference in bottom out force means that the Silent Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch is 3.7 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, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, the Silent Red switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. If you prefer a more responsive key press, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the better choice, but if you prefer a slightly deeper feel, the Silent Red switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Silent Red being the longer of the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Silent Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer different auditory experiences. The Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience in shared environments. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch produces a resonant and clacky sound that adds a touch of flair to each keystroke. The high-pitched nature of the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch further contributes to its unique sound profile, providing a crisp and bright sound with each press.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Silent Red switch is praised for its buttery and mild typing experience. The smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, combined with a padded bottom-out feel, offers a comfortable and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer a silky smooth typing experience due to the impeccable factory lube job, resulting in reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches provide a polished typing experience, but the Silent Red leans towards a gentler feel while the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and consistent feel, the Silent Red switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more resonant and clacky sound with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your priorities for typing experience. If you prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience, opt for the TTC Silent Red switch with its muted sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force. This switch is ideal for use in shared spaces or office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more resonant and clacky typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, choose the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch. This switch offers a silky smooth keystroke feel with a unique sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
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