Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're excited to present the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the SP-Star Yanyu, two linear mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine switches are best known for their clacky and resonant notes, along with a silky smooth feel due to the impeccable factory lube job. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches offer a more delicate typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions with a crisp sound profile. The Strawberry Wine is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched', while the Yanyu is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. 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
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which is described as being on the brighter side. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide a pleasant and appealing typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a nylon bottom housing known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the Yanyu incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing that offers a pleasant and somewhat brighter sound profile. While the specific qualities of each bottom housing material may vary, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for both switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Strawberry Wine (V2) and the SP-Star Yanyu may differ in the specific materials used for their top and bottom housings, both switches strive to offer a satisfying and unique typing experience through their distinct sound profiles. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of the Strawberry Wine (V2) or the brighter sound of the Yanyu, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lightweight option. In contrast, the Yanyu has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 43 grams, also falling on the lighter end of the spectrum. Both switches offer a light typing experience, which is ideal for those looking for a keyboard that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. However, if one prefers a more substantial typing feel, they may opt for switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see that the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, compared to the Yanyu's 4 mm. The 3.4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Wine (V2) falls closer to the shallower end of traditional travel distances, making it preferred by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Yanyu's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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) linear switch is best known for its clacky and resonant notes, providing a sharp and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound profile, suitable for various typing intents and purposes. The Strawberry Wine (V2) switch leans towards a higher-pitched sound, while the Yanyu switch produces a deeper and more satisfying sound. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a mild and approachable typing feel, perfect for extended typing sessions due to its feathery and subtle characteristics. The Yanyu switch is designed to offer a comfortable typing experience with gentle resistance and reduced finger strain, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch focuses on delivering a refined and polished typing feel with its exceptionally smooth properties.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer distinct sound and feel experiences to cater to different preferences. The Strawberry Wine (V2) switch excels in providing a clacky and resonant sound, combined with a silky smooth feel for a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile along with a mild and feathery feel, ensuring a comfortable and gentle typing experience. Depending on your desired sound and typing feel preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying outcome for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch or the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams and appreciate a keyboard switch that produces a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound profile, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams and seek a switch with a more neutral or thocky sound profile, as well as a feel that is mild, feathery, subtle, or polished, then the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch could be the better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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