Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're excited to present the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the TKC Tangerine, two exceptional linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Strawberry Wine is known for its resonant and clacky notes, coupled with a silky smooth keystroke thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. On the other hand, the Tangerine boasts an incredibly smooth feel, enhanced by UHWMPE housings that are not commonly found in other switches. While both switches share a high-pitched sound profile, the Strawberry Wine is characterized by a clacky and resonant feel, while the Tangerine is described as frictionless and buttery. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the TKC Tangerine switches both utilize unique housing materials to create distinct sound profiles. The Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing which creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Tangerine boasts a UHWMPE top housing known for its bright and resonant clacks. This contrast in sound characteristics showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience and auditory feedback of a switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Strawberry Wine (V2) employs a nylon housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also contributes to its bright and resonant sound signature. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch, with nylon offering a more absorbent quality for a duller sound, and UHWMPE providing a brighter and more resonant tone.
While the housing materials for the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and TKC Tangerine switches differ in composition and sound characteristics, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through unique acoustic profiles. The POM and UHWMPE top housings create contrasting sound profiles, with POM offering a deeper and more muted sound compared to the bright and resonant clacks of UHWMPE. Similarly, the nylon and UHWMPE bottom housings provide distinct sound qualities, with nylon producing a fuller sound and UHWMPE contributing to a brighter sound signature. Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of a switch, highlighting the importance of material selection in customizing mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Tangerine is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 62 grams and an unknown actuation force. The Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Tangerine provides a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Strawberry Wine (V2) offering a lighter touch and the Tangerine providing a medium resistance.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we find that the Strawberry Wine has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tangerine switch has the longer travel distance. The 3.4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Wine falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Tangerine provides a deeper key press, which some users may find more comfortable and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
In terms of sound, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a unique combination of clacky and resonant notes, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile that is both bright and percussive. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing, providing a sharp and crisp sound with a more refined auditory experience. Both switches are on the higher end of the sound spectrum, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a snappy and bright sound profile while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, with exceptionally smooth keystrokes that minimize resistance and enhance overall typing comfort. In comparison, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is lauded for its frictionless and buttery feel, providing an effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. Both switches aim to deliver a smooth and refined typing sensation, with the Tangerine offering a slightly different tactile feel due to its UHWMPE housings.
Overall, choosing between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the TKC Tangerine linear switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a clacky and resonant sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Tangerine provides a high-pitched clack with a frictionless and buttery feel. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a premium typing experience that will elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the key characteristics of each. If you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and resonant sound profile, along with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, high-pitched sound profile, and a frictionless, buttery, or polished typing feel, then the TKC Tangerine switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what features matter most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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