Gateron Aliaz vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Holly offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Aliaz is designed for quiet environments like the office, known for its silent operation and medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. This makes it perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, as it is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Holly switch offers a different typing sensation compared to the Aliaz. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Dareu Holly both feature polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. However, the Aliaz also has a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While the top housing of both the Gateron Aliaz and Dareu Holly contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly creates a rounder and duller sound upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz offers a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the typing experience for users who prefer a certain sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature clear housings, indicating the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. This makes them visually appealing and suitable for showcasing RGB lighting effects. However, the choice between the Aliaz and Holly ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, with the Aliaz offering a crisper sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing and the Holly providing a deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Holly tactile switches, we can see that the Aliaz has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams. This means that the Aliaz requires more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Aliaz is also heavier with 75 grams compared to the unknown force of the Holly. The higher weight of the Aliaz may suit users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter weight of the Holly may be preferred by those who type for extended periods. Overall, the Aliaz offers a heavier typing experience, while the weight of the Holly remains ambiguous. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that regardless of which switch is used, the user will experience a similar keypress feel in terms of how far the switch travels from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users will get comparable typing experiences with both switches, as the distance traveled by each switch is identical. Therefore, whether using the Gateron Aliaz or the Dareu Holly tactile switch, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is best suited for quieter environments due to its muted sound profile, providing a softer and gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, giving users a distinct sound signature that stands out. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the subdued sound of the Aliaz or the more pronounced sound of the Holly.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction for a comfortable typing session. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available for the feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch. However, based on the actuation force and sound profile, users can expect a tactile and responsive typing feel from the Holly switch.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Holly tactile switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Aliaz switch is ideal for those looking for a medium-heavy weight switch with a muted sound profile and a smooth typing experience, perfect for quiet office settings. On the other hand, the Holly switch appeals to users who enjoy a unique sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider the environment and typing experience you prefer. If you value a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and substantial feel, the Aliaz switch would be the ideal choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Holly switch is the way to go for a balanced and distinctive typing feel. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and the type of environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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