Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat both offer compelling options for enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience. The Strawberry Wine (V2) is celebrated for its clacky and resonant sound profile, enhanced by an impeccable factory lube job that ensures each keystroke feels silky smooth. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback and a high-pitched tone while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, with its Ly stems, excels in providing an equally smooth typing experience but without the pronounced clackiness, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a subtler sound while still enjoying a resonant acoustic profile. Both switches have their unique charm and can cater to different preferences, whether you're drawn to the Strawberry Wine's playful high notes or the Tomcat's refined smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$4.80

$4.35 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and Bsun Tomcat exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, leading to differing acoustic profiles. The Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a newer type of plastic for its top housing, which is specifically designed to create a very bright sound signature. This material offers resonant clacks when a keystroke is executed, contributing to a lively and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, resulting in a different tonal quality when typing. Both switches aim for a bright auditory experience, but the specific materials they use produce nuanced differences in sound quality.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Tomcat incorporate nylon, a classic and widely appreciated material for switch housings. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer composition absorbs more of the sound created during typing. This creates a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to their top housings. Given that both switches share the same bottom housing material, they will produce similar sound characteristics in terms of depth and fullness. This shared aspect allows users to expect a harmonious balance in terms of acoustic performance, as both switches will deliver a consistent and rich sound profile when bottoming out.

In terms of how these materials influence the overall feel and response of the switches, it is important to consider the interplay between the top and bottom housings. While the nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper sound signature felt during the actuation, the differing top housing materials affect the sound produced upon release. The Strawberry Wine (V2) will provide a brighter clack sound at the release due to its innovative top material, whereas the Tomcat will offer a crisper sound profile reflective of its polycarbonate construction. This means that although the two switches may have different sound qualities based on their top housings, the combination of nylon bottoms will create a consistent foundation for similar tactile experiences. Users can thus appreciate the distinct auditory profiles while enjoying the familiarity of the nylon's deeper sound characteristic across both switch designs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find some similarities and slight differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a comparable keystroke trigger feel for both options, which is beneficial for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Strawberry Wine (V2) at 52 grams and the Tomcat at 54 grams. This means that while both switches are on the lighter side, the Tomcat provides a slightly firmer feel when it comes to bottoming out. In terms of weight preference, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is marginally lighter overall, making it a better choice for those who typists favor a softer touch for prolonged use. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Tomcat due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same depth of key travel. Consequently, the performance and feel of these switches will be quite similar, allowing for a comparable typing experience that emphasizes fluidity and responsiveness in both options. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is characterized by a distinct clacky and resonant quality. Each keystroke produces a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that creates an immersive auditory experience. The high-pitched nature of this switch allows for a clean and crisp acoustic feedback, which many enthusiasts find satisfying. While the Bsun Tomcat switch also offers a resonant sound, the specific descriptors for its sound profile are not detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the Strawberry Wine's vibrant soundscape. However, it is likely that the Tomcat will produce a similarly engaging auditory experience, depending on the specific construction of the switch and external factors like keycaps and the keyboard configuration.

In terms of feel, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) excels with its silky smooth keystrokes, owing to an impeccable factory lube job that minimizes resistance when typing. This exceptionally smooth typing experience allows for effortless press and release of keys, making it a joy to use for long periods. The Bsun Tomcat switch, while noted for featuring Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, lacks additional specific descriptors to fully capture its tactile feedback. Nevertheless, the focus on smoothness suggests that both switches might deliver a similarly pleasurable typing feel, appealing to users who prioritize effortless key actuation.

In conclusion, both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to users looking for smooth and engaging typing experiences. The Strawberry Wine stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound profile and silky smoothness, while the Tomcat is anticipated to provide a comparable level of smoothness in feel, though its sound characteristics remain less defined. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, offering a combination of tactile pleasure and auditory satisfaction, making either a worthy choice for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, consider your typing preferences and desired auditory experience. If you value a lighter bottom-out force coupled with a clacky and resonant sound profile, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) is an excellent choice. Its silky smoothness allows for a pleasing typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and engaging interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer bottom-out while still enjoying a smooth typing experience, the Tomcat might be more your style, especially if you're looking for a more subdued sound profile without the high-pitched characteristics of the Strawberry Wine. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct experiences; it's all about aligning your keyboard choice with your typing habits and sound preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) Linear

$4.80

$4.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more