Dareu Snow vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Snow, a linear switch, to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), another linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Snow switch is praised for its innovative use of POK material, providing a deeper sound signature and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, along with the added bonus of impeccable factory lubrication for a silky smooth keystroke. While the Snow switch is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy', the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', 'High-pitched'. These distinctions make each switch appealing in its own right, depending on your personal preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics based on their top and bottom housing materials. The Snow's POK top housing boasts exceptional smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction higher than LY, making it ideal for creating smooth and clacky switches. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing provides a more muted and deeper sound profile, offering a different typing experience to users.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Snow and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds to the overall typing experience. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, each switch manages to offer a unique sound profile, showcasing how different combinations of materials can affect the overall typing feel and sound.
Overall, while the Dareu Snow and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, their distinct choices for the top housing materials result in different sound profiles and typing experiences. The POK top housing of the Snow prioritizes smoothness and durability, creating a clacky feel, while the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a deeper and more muted sound. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make informed choices based on their preferences for sound, feel, and durability in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Snow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Snow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's 45 grams, making it slightly more resistant to triggering a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Snow requires 60 grams to bottom out, while the Strawberry Wine needs 50 grams, indicating that the Strawberry Wine is lighter overall. Those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Strawberry Wine, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Snow. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to a range of preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we see that the Snow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their quicker response times, particularly among gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the preferable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more rapid and responsive typing experience, the Dareu Snow may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 Dareu Snow linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, providing a deep and satisfying sound when used. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch presents a clacky and resonant sound profile, with sharp and crisp characteristics. Depending on personal preference, the Snow switch may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and bass-heavy tone, while the Strawberry Wine switch could be preferred by individuals looking for a brighter and more percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Snow switch is described as bouncy, giving users a spring-like and lively feedback sensation when typing. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. The bouncy feel of the Snow switch may cater to users who enjoy a responsive and elastic feedback, while the silky feel of the Strawberry Wine switch can provide a more seamless and effortless typing experience.
Overall, while the Dareu Snow and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, ultimately the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, with the Snow switch focusing on deeper thocky tones and bouncy feedback, while the Strawberry Wine switch provides a brighter clacky sound and silky smooth feel. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper or brighter sound profile, as well as a bouncy or silky typing experience, either switch can cater to different preferences for an enjoyable mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a deeper sound signature, along with a bouncy feel, the Dareu Snow switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, resonant and clacky sound notes, and a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel that you find most appealing and comfortable for your typing style.
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