Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're excited to present two intriguing options for mechanical keyboard switches: the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Strawberry Wine (V2) is a linear switch known for its clacky, resonant, and silky smooth keystrokes, offering a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch prized for its thuddy and punchy sound, providing a balanced level of tactility without being too overwhelming, with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor lies in their housing materials. The Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in top housing material results in a noticeable difference in sound characteristics between the two switches. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition.
While the top housing material of the Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Viola Tricolor differs in POM and polycarbonate respectively, they both utilize a nylon bottom housing. This shared bottom housing material results in a similar typing experience for both switches, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the absorptive qualities of nylon. In terms of sound characteristics, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on either switch. However, the top housing material plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key, creating a nuanced sound experience depending on the switch chosen.
Overall, the choice between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor comes down to personal preference in sound characteristics. The POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more muted and resonant sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches provide a similar typing experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, it is important to consider the impact of housing materials on sound when selecting a switch for your keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Strawberry Wine (V2) is lighter in terms of both forces. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Strawberry Wine provides a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. While the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is not specified, it is clear that it requires more force to bottom out compared to the Strawberry Wine. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Strawberry Wine, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Viola Tricolor for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Strawberry Wine. Gamers looking for a snappy feel may prefer the Strawberry Wine, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, both switches provide a smooth and tactile typing experience, but the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly longer travel distance for those seeking a bit more 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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, giving users a sharp and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to typing, along with a satisfying feedback from its pronounced tactility. The Strawberry Wine (V2) has a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy and low-pitched tone during key presses. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience due to its exceptional factory lube job. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers an accented and invigorating feel, giving users a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still prominent. The Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance, while the Viola Tricolor provides a snappy and reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharp and bright sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a punchy and character-filled sound with a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between subtlety and prominence, the Viola Tricolor could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Both switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, your decision should primarily be based on personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a silky smooth typing experience, and a sharper, resonant sound profile, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a pronounced tactile feedback without being too overwhelming, and a thuddy, punchy sound profile, then the Viola Tricolor could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to prioritize what features are most important to you in order to make an informed decision.
Mentioned in this article
