Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're excited to present the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Strawberry Wine (V2) is praised for its resonant and clacky notes, offering a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. On the other hand, the Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, provides a chewy typing feel that envelops fingertips with each press, accompanied by a bright and clacky sound profile and a satisfying resonance upon bottoming out. Both switches share attributes like being clacky and high-pitched, but the Yoel also offers a creamy, marbly, polished feel. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing, creating a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of POM in the bottom housing of the Yoel further enhances its deep and pleasing sound, similar to the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s overall sound profile. However, the Yoel's polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a stiffer and clearer sound compared to the softer nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2).
While both switches feature top and bottom housings made of different materials, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Yoel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) producing a more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Overall, the differences in housing materials between the two switches result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Yoel's clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This feature adds a visual element to the switch that the opaque POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) lacks. However, both switches prioritize sound quality, with the unique properties of their housing materials contributing to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile from the Strawberry Wine (V2) or a sharper, crisper sound from the Yoel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch showcase a noticeable difference in weight. The Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yoel features a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Sarokeys switch ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Yoel switch provides a more substantial typing feel, suitable for users who prefer a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, with the Yoel being slightly shorter than the Strawberry Wine. For those who value quick response times, the Yoel may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Strawberry Wine for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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, both the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches are described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The Strawberry Wine (V2) is additionally noted for its resonant qualities, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is distinguished by its marbly sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is known for its silky typing experience, offering exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal resistance. In comparison, the Yoel switch is described as creamy and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and sleek key travel. Overall, both switches excel in delivering a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles, ensuring that users will get similar results of clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth and effortless feel, depending on their preference for resonance or creaminess. Ultimately, the decision between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch will come down to personal sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a sound profile that is described as clacky, resonant, and high-pitched, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and a sound profile that is clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant, then the Yoel switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Additionally, if you prioritize a silky typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the way to go, whereas the Yoel offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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