Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, and two popular options are the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Strawberry Wine (V2), renowned for its clacky and resonant sound, offers users a delightful auditory experience, enhanced by an impeccable factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth typing feel. This linear switch is ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate the satisfying feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, elevates the typing experience with its captivating sound signature and exceptional smoothness. As a re-color of the celebrated Magnetic Jade, it boasts a bright, clacky sound that appeals to those who seek both performance and style in their keyboard setup. Each switch has distinct advantages: the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides traditional linear characteristics with a touch of personality, while the WS Dash introduces innovative Hall Effect technology for precision and reliability. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both incorporate nylon as their bottom housing material, which plays a critical role in how users experience typing sound and feel. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics, effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile. This shared element ensures that both switches provide a similar tactile richness during use when participants press down on the keys. However, the differentiating factor between the two lies in their top housing materials. The Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a newer material that produces a brighter sound signature, leading to resonant clacks. In contrast, the WS Dash’s polycarbonate top housing generates a higher-pitched and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the plastic, which produces a clearer resonance. This contrast in top housing materials sets the two switches apart in terms of the auditory experience while typing.
The effect of the top housing material is particularly significant when considering the overall sound profile of each switch. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), with its brighter sound signature from the newer material, offers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by sharp keystrokes that resonate more when keys are released. The WS Dash, on the other hand, capitalizes on the properties of polycarbonate, which enhances the sound clarity and produces a more pronounced high-frequency response, making it a suitable choice for users who appreciate a crisp and clear auditory feedback from their typing. Thus, while both switches possess a similar bottom housing, the contrast in their upper housings leads users to experience different sound profiles as they engage with the switches.
In terms of aesthetic considerations, polycarbonate's translucent quality in the WS Dash creates an opportunity for enhanced RGB lighting effects, providing a visually appealing element to illuminated keyboards. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2), despite its less defined visual performance regarding RGB lighting, compensates with its resonant sound profile. Although both switches have differing top materials that contribute unique sound characteristics, their nylon bottom housing unifies them in the depth of sound; the result is a typing experience that may feel familiar but provides distinct auditory pleasures based on the top housing's specific qualities. Therefore, while users may enjoy similar depth and fullness from both switches while typing, the auditory experience during key release can be tailored to personal preference through careful selection between the two.
Weight
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch present interesting contrasts in their actuation forces while sharing a similar bottom out experience. The Strawberry Wine (V2) requires an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a firmer touch, while the WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it more suitable for extensive typing and gaming sessions without fatigue. Both switches have comparable bottom out forces, with the Strawberry Wine at 52 grams and the WS Dash at 55 grams; thus, users may experience a similar bottoming out sensation when pressing the keys all the way down. However, the lighter actuation force of the WS Dash may appeal more to those who prefer a quicker and less demanding keystroke, whereas the Strawberry Wine caters to those who appreciate a bit more resistance for a more substantial feel. Overall, the WS Dash is the lighter option, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find that the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Dash the shorter option of the two, which might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a bit more depth at 3.6 mm, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. In summary, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Strawberry Wine (V2) caters to those who appreciate a deeper press, whereas the WS Dash is better suited for those who favor a more responsive, albeit slightly abrupt, keystroke.
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 Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 produces a delightful auditory experience characterized by a clacky and resonant sound profile. Each keystroke evokes a crisp, bright, and percussive note that engages the user with a satisfying auditory feedback. The resonance adds a layer of richness, making it an immersive experience that enhances typing pleasure. This high-pitched signature ensures clarity and a sharpness that many typists find appealing, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps, amplifying its distinct acoustic charm. While the specific sound characteristics of the WS Dash switch are not detailed, its description suggests it also maintains a bright and clacky sound signature, leading to the expectation of a similarly satisfying auditory experience, though exact nuances may vary based on individual preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch stands out with its silky smooth keystroke, providing an exceptionally pleasant typing experience. The careful lube application amplifies this smoothness, allowing for seamless transitions between presses and releases without any noticeable resistance. This creates a refined and enjoyable tactile experience that typists often seek. While the WS Dash's tactile qualities were not specified, the mention of its smooth operation suggests it could potentially offer a comparable sensation, particularly through its design and intended function as a Hall Effect switch. However, without specific descriptors, we can only anticipate that the user experience could mirror that of the Strawberry Wine in terms of smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches exhibit qualities that cater to typists looking for a clacky yet smooth typing experience. The Strawberry Wine excels with its defined sound and silky feel, while the WS Dash promises a bright auditory signature alongside smooth keystrokes. While immediate comparisons can be made, the overall typing experience may still hinge on the user’s individual setup and preferences. Having both options available means you can achieve similar enjoyable results, though specific traits may differ in practice.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-light activation with a smooth keystroke that resonates beautifully, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is an excellent choice. Its clacky and high-pitched sound profile creates an engaging auditory experience that many typists and gamers find delightful, especially if you prefer a keyboard that offers both aesthetic pleasure and practical functionality. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a bright, clacky sound signature but want the added refinement of hall effect technology, the WS Dash is your go-to switch. While it offers a slightly higher bottom-out force, its enchanting auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes deliver a unique experience that pairs nicely with specialized keyboards like the Wooting. Ultimately, consider what aspects resonate with you more—be it the irresistible charm of the Strawberry Wine (V2) or the sophisticated feel of the WS Dash—so you can make an informed decision that enhances your typing experience.