Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically affect your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Strawberry Wine (V2) is celebrated for its clacky and resonant notes, providing a unique auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. Coupled with an impeccable factory lube job, these linear switches deliver a silky smooth keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response without overwhelming their senses. Its balanced sound profile complements the tactile characteristics, striking a harmonious blend between feel and acoustics. While the Strawberry Wine may appeal to those seeking an exhilarating auditory experience, the Weightlessness caters to users who value tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Gateron Weightlessness both incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, which is a classic material in the keyboard switch domain known for its sound-absorbing properties. This shared attribute contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, attributed to nylon's relatively softer characteristics. In the case of both switches, the sound produced when the key bottoms out will reflect this effect, leading to a rounder and less resonant acoustic experience compared to harder plastics. Hence, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory experience when engaged with either switch due to the properties of the nylon used at the bottom housing.
Contrasting the top housings reveals more distinct differences between the two switches. The Strawberry Wine (V2) features a newer material characterized by a bright sound signature that results in resonant clacks when typing. This contrasts sharply with the Gateron Weightlessness, which employs a classic nylon top housing that imparts a significantly deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while both switches utilize nylon in their construction, the variation in the top housing material fundamentally alters the auditory experience. A user pressing the Strawberry Wine (V2) key will be greeted with bright, impactful sounds, while the Gateron Weightlessness will deliver a softer, more muted acoustic experience when actuating the keys.
Ultimately, the differences between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Gateron Weightlessness lie in their top housing materials, with nylon offering a consistent sound profile in the base of both switches. The unique material of the Strawberry Wine (V2) enhances the top-end sounds, providing an exciting and lively typist’s experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness leans towards a more subdued and rounded acoustic feel. For users seeking distinct auditory feedback, the Strawberry Wine (V2) undoubtedly stands out. Yet, for those who prefer a softer typing auditory environment, the Weightlessness provides its own appeal. Both switches, however, offer the reliable performance inherent in using nylon in their bottom housing.
Weight
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it medium-light and conducive for prolonged typing sessions, while its bottom out force is measured at 52 grams, offering a gentle resistance that many typists might find appealing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, making it more substantial than the Strawberry Wine (V2) for users who prefer a firmer typing experience; however, the bottom out force of the Weightlessness is unknown. This means that users of the Weightlessness may experience less predictable feedback upon bottoming out. For those who favor a lighter switch for extended use, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be the better choice, while the Gateron Weightlessness may attract those looking for a little more push in their keystrokes, despite the lack of bottom out force data. Overall, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the lighter option, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, whereas the Weightlessness offers a heavier feel but lacks definitive information on its bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is clear that there are distinctions between the two. The Strawberry Wine (V2) features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Weightlessness switch may offer a more responsive experience, which might be preferable for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2), with its longer travel distance, could be more appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the better choice; however, if you favor a deeper key press, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) might better suit your preferences. Overall, the Weightlessness's shorter travel distance makes it the more suitable option for quick responses, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) caters to those who appreciate more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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) switches stand out with their clacky and resonant tones. When pressed, they produce a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that creates an engaging auditory experience, making them ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback. The high-pitched characteristics further augment this effect, delivering a clean and crisp sound during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches do not have a defined sound profile available for description; thus, their auditory characteristics remain less defined. This leaves a gap in understanding how they compare directly to the Strawberry Wine (V2) in terms of sound.
Regarding feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches excel with their silky smoothness, resulting in a typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances the sensation of fluidity with each keystroke. This quality is particularly appealing for typists seeking a seamless interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are characterized by a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that offers a nice balance without overwhelming the user. While the tactile feel is distinct, it is less smooth compared to the silky nature of the Strawberry Wine (V2), leading to potentially different preferences based on touch.
In conclusion, when considering both the sound and feel, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches cater to users who enjoy a pronounced, high-pitched sound paired with an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness, while offering a more subdued auditory profile and a balanced tactile feel, stands out for those who prefer a gently tactile interaction without excess auditory feedback. Each switch has its unique strengths, providing different typing experiences to match user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a light and responsive typing experience with a vibrant auditory feedback, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is an excellent choice. Its clacky and resonant sound, complemented by a silky smooth feel due to its impeccable factory lube, makes it ideal for those who appreciate a lively and engaging typing sensation. This switch shines particularly in creative or gaming environments where the auditory and tactile response can enhance the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a touch of tactile feedback without the overly pronounced sound, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may be more your speed. With its subtle to moderate tactile feel, it caters well to those who desire a balanced typing experience that's not too loud, making it suitable for quieter settings like office work or environments where concentration is key. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a more dynamic, expressive typing experience or a quieter, more refined interaction with your keyboard.
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