Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're excited to present two unique linear keyboard switches for your consideration - the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Strawberry Wine is known for its clacky and resonant notes, along with a silky smooth feel due to the impeccable factory lube job. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK in the stem and bottom housing. Both switches offer a high-pitched sound signature, but the Strawberry Wine leans towards a more silvery tone while the Vanilla Ice Cream is buttery and marbly. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique and distinct housing materials for their switches. The Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which produces a high-pitched and clacky sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound signature.
The differences in housing materials between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream result in distinct typing experiences. The POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) creates a unique sound profile that is more muted, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound. In terms of bottom housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing feel and sound of each switch.
While the housing materials of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct characteristics, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) creates a pleasing and unique sound that is more muted, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Additionally, the Nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers smoothness, durability, and a clacky sound. Ultimately, whether it be the unique sound profiles or the typing experiences, both switches aim to deliver quality performance through their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we find that both switches are relatively light in terms of force needed to actuate and bottom out. The Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making them ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Strawberry Wine is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, the difference is minimal and users are likely to get similar results from both switches in terms of typing comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the 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, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users who prefer a specific feel when typing or gaming. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a good balance between responsiveness and depth depending on the user's preferences.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and marbly sound that is also clean and resonant. Both switches excel in delivering unique and immersive sound qualities that cater to different preferences. When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is praised for its silky typing experience, offering minimal resistance and smooth keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, making each keystroke feel seamless and effortless. Overall, both switches present distinct sound and feel qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences. Whether you choose the Strawberry Wine (V2) or the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a switch with a resonant and clacky sound profile, along with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched and marbly sound signature, and a buttery smooth and creamy typing feel, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.