KTT Strawberry vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Strawberry and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). The KTT Strawberry is known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, impeccable factory lube job, and silky smooth keystrokes, catering to those who prefer a high-pitched, clacky, resonant, and silky typing sensation. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The KTT Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for incorporating RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing design. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the KTT Strawberry also uses polycarbonate, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as seen in the top housing. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal use of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as in the KTT Strawberry and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), the qualities of each housing material will affect different aspects of the switch. The bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can alter the overall sound profile and user experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The KTT Strawberry has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the KTT Strawberry requires 62 grams while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) only needs 50 grams. This indicates that the KTT Strawberry switch is heavier overall, requiring more force to bottom out the key compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) which is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) would be a more suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the KTT Strawberry switch would be the better option despite requiring more force.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The KTT Strawberry has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has a shorter travel distance, which is better suited for individuals looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the KTT Strawberry providing a more traditional feel and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offering a more compact and responsive experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched tone, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides a resonant and clacky sound profile, giving a sharper and more percussive sound when pressed. If you prefer a cleaner and sharper auditory experience, the Sarokeys switch might be more appealing to you. However, both switches can provide satisfying sound feedback depending on your personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry switch is praised for its frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. It also provides a polished finish for a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is specifically noted for its silky smooth feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their silky smooth feel, offering comfort and ease during long typing sessions.
Overall, both the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the KTT Strawberry switch leans towards a low-pitched sound and a buttery smooth feel, the Sarokeys switch excels in providing a resonant and clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, typing feel, and any other specific attributes that stand out to you. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high level of performance and satisfaction in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation, the KTT Strawberry switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams would be more suited to your liking. The KTT Strawberry switch offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides a silky typing experience. Sound-wise, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched tone, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch produces a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile.
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