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Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference often hinges on the balance between sound, feel, and responsiveness. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique experience characterized by its resonant, clacky tones and silky smooth keystrokes—ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a luxurious typing experience. On the flip side, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters to gamers, emphasizing speed with its incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid, precise inputs while still delivering a bright, clacky sound profile. While the Strawberry Wine (V2) appeals to users who enjoy a more melodic and tactile experience, the Vintage Citrus is designed with performance and responsiveness in mind, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming. 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

48g

Bottom-out force

52g

Bottom-out force

53g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.00 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

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 single-staged spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus, we notice a significant distinction in their top housings. The Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a newer material designed to provide a bright sound signature, which enhances the typing experience by delivering resonant clacks. This contrasts with the Vintage Citrus, which employs a classic nylon top housing that is inherently softer and absorbs sound. As a result, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is likely to offer a sharper auditory feedback during typing, while the Vintage Citrus, with its softer nylon, generates a more subdued and rounded sound profile.

However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile. The nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, effectively dampening sounds due to its softer nature. This commonality means that regardless of the differing top housings, users will experience a consistent sound quality in the bottom-out feel of both switches. The bottom housing retains a notable influence on sounds produced when fully pressed, creating a cohesive auditory character between the two models at the lower end of the keystroke.

Ultimately, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus differ in their upper housings, they converge on the nylon material used in their bases. This blending of materials ensures that both switches, albeit differing in tonal characteristics during release, will yield a similar bottom-out experience due to the muted and absorbing qualities of nylon. Thus, when typing, one can expect both switches to create a satisfying keystroke response, balancing the contrast in their upper sound profiles with the commonality found in their nylon bottoms, resulting in a rich and enjoyable typing environment.

Weight

When comparing the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch with the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both switches exhibit similar characteristics, particularly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its marginally higher forces, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response when typing. Overall, while both switches fall into the medium-light category, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is better suited for users seeking a lighter touch, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to those who appreciate a bit more resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference may lead to varied tactile experiences; the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a more substantial depth, which some users might prefer for a more hearty feel, while the Vintage Citrus offers a quicker response ideal for gamers seeking rapid actuation. Both switches reflect the growing trend towards shorter travel distances, but for those who favor a more traditional depth, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the preferable choice.

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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.

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

When it comes to sound, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch delivers a delightful auditory experience characterized by resonant and clacky tones. The sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing an immersive typing experience. Users can appreciate the sharp and clean notes produced with each keystroke, which can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, while the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is noted for its bright and clacky sound profile, the specific details about its sound characteristics are less defined. However, it can be expected to also provide a snappy and engaging sound that works well in a gaming context. Overall, both switches prioritize sharp and percussive sounds, making for an engaging auditory experience, especially when complemented by the right keyboard and keycap choices.

In terms of feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is designed to offer a silky smooth typing experience. This smoothness minimizes resistance during presses and releases, allowing for fluid keystrokes that enhance typing efficiency. The emphasis on smoothness is perfect for those who value a refined tactile feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is not explicitly described, but the low actuation force of just 1mm suggests a light and responsive keypress ideal for rapid gaming inputs. If the feel of the Vintage Citrus can be as smooth as its intended use implies, then it could align well with the smooth experience offered by the Strawberry Wine.

In summary, both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches focus on providing a clacky sound profile, although the Strawberry Wine offers more detailed characteristics in this regard. The Strawberry Wine is recognized for its silky smooth feel, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for quick actuation, hinting at a light responsiveness that may align with a similar smoothness. Overall, both switches cater to unique typing preferences, making either a great choice depending on the desired typing experience, whether one seeks a smooth typing rhythm or rapid-fire gaming responsiveness.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches should hinge on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you find joy in the auditory experience of a clackier, more resonant switch while enjoying a silky smooth keypress, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be an excellent match for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams strikes a balance that suits both typing and casual gaming, offering a satisfying tactile sensation that enhances your overall experience. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus is designed with you in mind. Its remarkably low actuation point of just 1mm allows for rapid inputs, making it perfect for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Furthermore, its bright, clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element to your gameplay without sacrificing the smooth feel you might desire in a linear switch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize the enjoyable sound and smoothness of the Strawberry Wine (V2) or the quick response and efficiency of the Vintage Citrus.

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