Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preferences in sound and feel. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, offering a delightful auditory experience thanks to its impeccable factory lubrication that ensures every keystroke is silky smooth. This switch is ideal for those who relish a more pronounced and lively typing sound, making it a great choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing rhythm. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight also embraces the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches but takes a different approach with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, providing a quieter operation while still delivering satisfying acoustics. This switch is well-suited for individuals seeking a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing performance. 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Twilight present a fascinating study in contrasts and similarities. On one hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a Ly top housing described as a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature, allowing for resonant clacks when typing. In comparison, the Twilight's nylon top housing represents a classic choice that favors a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference means that while the Strawberry Wine (V2) may produce a more pronounced and higher-pitched feedback, the Twilight would offer a subtler auditory experience, resulting in distinctive typing acoustics that cater to different user preferences.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housings, both the Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Twilight utilize nylon, which allows both switches to share a common characteristic of producing a deeper, rounder sound profile. The nylon's inherent properties, being softer and more sound-absorbent, create a duller sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that both switches will deliver consistent performance concerning bottom-out noise and tactile feedback. Thus, while users might experience different sounds upon engaging the keys depending on the top housing, the bottom housing's contributions will unify their audible qualities, making for a satisfying and cohesive typing experience.
The interplay between the different top and bottom housings in both switches exemplifies the importance of material choice in shaping sound and feel. The Strawberry Wine (V2), with its bright Ly top housing, contrasts sharply with the Twilight's nylon top housing, demonstrating that varying upper materials can significantly influence the auditory feedback when releasing a key. Simultaneously, the identical nylon bottom housings point to a blending of characteristics, thereby allowing both switches to maintain a deeper, fuller bottoming-out sound. This relationship showcases how the unique properties of each housing—both varied and shared—affect the overall performance and auditory presence of the switches, allowing users to select a typing experience that resonates with their specific sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams classified as light. This means that users who prefer a softer touch will likely enjoy the HMX Twilight more, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a slightly more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push sensation. Therefore, while both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the heavier option, making it better suited for those who favor a more robust typing experience, whereas the Twilight caters to those who enjoy a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Strawberry Wine (V2) has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Twilight features a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that if you prioritize a more responsive keystroke, the Strawberry Wine would be the better choice, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster response times, often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Thus, for users seeking a balance between responsiveness and key depth, the longer travel distance of the Twilight can feel more satisfying, while the Strawberry Wine may be ideal for those who value quick, snappy feedback.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
In terms of sound, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch stands out with its resonant and clacky auditory profile. Users will notice a sharp, percussive quality that is both crisp and bright, making each keystroke a distinctly satisfying experience. The combination of clacky and resonant elements not only enhances the overall typing experience but also provides an immersive auditory feel that is appealing to enthusiasts. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed with a slightly quieter sound, thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While it maintains the classic clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, the overall sound profile may not be as pronounced as that of the Strawberry Wine, lending to a more subtle yet still engaging auditory experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Strawberry Wine (V2) excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience, attributed to its impeccable factory lube job. This enhanced smoothness minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing the keys, making it ideal for users who prioritize a seamless, frictionless feel during typing sessions. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch is not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the Strawberry Wine. However, given the inherent qualities of linear switches, one can anticipate a smooth action in the Twilight as well.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique advantages tailored to different preferences. The Strawberry Wine delivers a resonant, clacky sound and an exceptionally silky feel, making it a standout choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and fluid keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Twilight offers quieter performance while retaining some clacky characteristics, making it suitable for an environment where sound discretion is key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on your personal sound and feel preferences, as they cater to slightly different priorities in the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Twilight linear switches, your choice largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a slightly higher actuation force and desire a more pronounced auditory experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, combined with a clacky and resonant sound profile, adds a lively auditory element to your typing, making it ideal for environments where the sound of your keystrokes may be appreciated or embraced. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and are looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, the HMX Twilight would be the better option. Its extended travel distance and signature clacky characteristics make it a great compromise between silence and satisfaction, perfect for settings where noise could be a concern. Ultimately, consider how much tactile feedback, sound, and force you prefer in your typing experience to make the best choice for your needs.
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