Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX SU stand out as two popular linear options that cater to different user preferences. The Strawberry Wine (V2) is celebrated for its resonant and clacky notes, providing an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke, while the impeccable factory lube ensures a silky smooth typing feel. In contrast, the HMX SU offers a more subdued yet deep sound profile with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, appealing to those who prefer a quieter and more serious typing experience. If you're looking for a vibrant, acoustically rich typing sensation, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you favor a more muted, professional environment, the HMX SU may better suit your needs. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX SU both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which fundamentally contributes to a similar acoustic profile. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which means it absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder materials. As a result, both the Strawberry Wine (V2) and HMX SU switches produce a deep and rounded sound signature when typing. This shared characteristic, fostered by the use of nylon as the bottom housing material, ensures that users can expect a fuller tactile experience when engaging with either of these switches, particularly during the key bottom-out phase of typing.
However, the top housing materials present a contrasting dynamic between the two models. The Strawberry Wine (V2) features a newer material that enhances sound resonance, resulting in bright and resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the HMX SU opts for a traditional nylon top housing, which tends to dull the sound signature further. The implications of these differences are significant, as the material choice for the top housing will dictate the sound characteristics as the key is released. Users of the Strawberry Wine (V2) can expect a bright and lively auditory feedback on keypress release, while those using the HMX SU will experience a more muted and subdued sound profile.
Ultimately, even with the contrasting top housing materials, typing on both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX SU can yield a satisfying experience, albeit with different auditory feedback. The unique combination of housing materials can create a nuanced typist experience: the bright sound signature from the Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. the rounded, deeper tones from the HMX SU. While both switches provide a distinctive sound when typing, they cater to different preferences, allowing typists to select the sound and feel that best aligns with their typing style. Thus, even if results in terms of auditory feedback vary, users can still enjoy the benefits typical of nylon-bottomed switches across both models.
Weight
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit notable differences in their bottom out forces, while their actuation forces remain the same. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of effort to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a higher force of 52 grams, making it the heavier option, compared to the HMX SU's lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that users may find the typing experience on the Strawberry Wine (V2) to feel a bit more substantial at the bottom of the keypress, whereas the HMX SU offers a slightly softer landing. For those favoring a lighter overall feel, the HMX SU may be more appealing, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) may attract those who enjoy a firmer push feel in their switches.
Travel distance
Both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable key feel and actuation experience when using either switch. Since both switches require the same amount of movement from top to bottom, they will deliver similar results in terms of responsiveness and actuation force. Therefore, whether opting for the Strawberry Wine (V2) or the HMX SU, users can anticipate a consistent performance due to the equal travel distance.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch stands out with its resonant and clacky notes, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. This high-pitched sound profile ensures that each keystroke is not only sharp but also adds an immersive quality to typing, making it rewarding for users who enjoy audible feedback. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtle, relatively deep sound profile due to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, creating a different auditory experience that is less pronounced than the Strawberry Wine (V2). While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, users may find the clackiness and resonance of the Strawberry Wine (V2) to be more enjoyable if they prefer a livelier typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) excels with an exceptionally silky smooth typing experience. The factory lube job enhances the overall smoothness, resulting in minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, which significantly contributes to user comfort and typing efficiency. On the other hand, specific details about the feel of the HMX SU linear switch are currently unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Users of the Strawberry Wine (V2) can expect a consistently pleasurable tactile experience, while the feel of the SU remains a variable that will need to be explored further.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and HMX SU linear switches offer unique qualities to the typing experience. The Strawberry Wine (V2) is characterized by its resonant and clacky sound, alongside a notably silky feel due to the effective factory lube, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes. The HMX SU, while providing a subtler sound profile, lacks detailed information about its tactile feel, which leaves some aspects of its performance undiscovered. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile experience, with the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivering a clear advantage in both categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch should depend largely on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience with a clacky and resonant sound profile, complemented by a silky smooth keystroke, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is likely the better choice for you. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 52 grams adds a touch of resistance that some typists find satisfying, particularly if you prefer a bit more feedback without being overly heavy. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and appreciate a subtle, deep sound profile, the HMX SU linear switch might be more your speed. Its PA12 housing and T5 stem provide a solid typing experience and can be a great match for extended typing sessions if you prefer a quieter environment. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, and your optimal choice will depend on whether you’re prioritizing an engaging auditory experience or a lighter, more understated touch.
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