Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is known for its clacky, resonant, and silky smooth feel, making each keystroke a delightful experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, combined with a delicate 42g actuation force. While both switches are categorized as clacky, the Swift offers an easier-to-press feel compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2). 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
42g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Swift utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon, creating a unique typing experience for users. However, the Strawberry Wine (V2) incorporates a POM top housing which creates a more muted sound profile compared to the Swift's nylon top housing. The POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a deeper sound profile that is pleasing to the ear, while still providing a unique typing experience.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Swift differ in their top housing material. The Swift features a nylon top housing, which complements the bottom housing by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) incorporates a POM top housing, producing a more muted sound profile that adds to the overall typing experience. The combination of different housing materials in these switches allows for a varied sound profile that caters to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Swift offers unique typing experiences for users. While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials - POM for the Strawberry Wine (V2) and nylon for the Swift - creates distinct sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a pleasing and unique sound, while the nylon top housing of the Swift enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether one prefers a more muted sound or a rounder sound when typing, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Swift slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. The actuation force is important for determining the responsiveness of the keys, with a lighter actuation force allowing for quicker typing speed. However, some may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) for a more deliberate typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, both switches require the same amount of force to fully press the key down. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 3.9 mm travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly quicker response time with the Sarokeys switch compared to the HMX Swift switch. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Sarokeys switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the HMX Swift switch. Overall, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Swift linear switches offer different travel distances, catering to individual preferences for keyboard typing or gaming experiences.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a unique combination of clacky and resonant notes, providing a sharp, snappy sound with a higher-pitched profile that creates an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is also described as clacky, offering a crisp and bright sound when pressed. While the Strawberry Wine switch has a more intricate sound profile, the Swift switch stands out for its deeper sound due to its full nylon housings. Both switches provide a pleasing sound experience, with the Strawberry Wine offering a brighter, more resonant sound compared to the Swift.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is characterized as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall typing smoothness. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, the Swift switch is noted for its feathery and bouncy feel, offering a light actuation force and a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, with the Strawberry Wine focusing on smoothness and the Swift focusing on low-impact typing feel.
Overall, both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Strawberry Wine switch provides a bright and resonant sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the Swift switch offers a deeper sound profile with an easy-to-press and bouncy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, either switch could provide a satisfying choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver similar results in terms of overall satisfaction for users.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches and HMX Swift linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a keyboard switch that produces clacky and resonant sounds, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch may be the right choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a silky smooth typing experience and minimal resistance when pressing keys, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch might suit your preferences. On the other hand, if you lean towards switches with a deeper sound profile and a silky smoothness, along with a lighter actuation force of 42g, the HMX Swift linear switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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