KTT Ash Gray vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Holly switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. In contrast, the Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. The Ash Gray switch is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, while the Holly switch is categorized as chirpy, clacky, and neutral. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different typing preferences. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Holly, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, showcasing the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. This similarity in material choice between the two keyboards suggests that users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing on both the Ash Gray and Holly keyboards.
However, where the Ash Gray and Holly keyboards differ is in their bottom housing material. The Ash Gray incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly also features a nylon bottom housing, highlighting the consistency in sound and feel across the entirety of the keyboard. By using nylon for the bottom housing, both keyboards ensure a rounder and more subdued sound experience when typing.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Holly keyboards imparts unique characteristics to each switch. While the top housing affects the sound upon key release, the bottom housing impacts the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This distinction showcases the importance of housing materials in creating a customized typing experience, with the Ash Gray and Holly keyboards offering different but equally impactful sound profiles.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams which is heavier than the Holly which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Ash Gray switch provides a lighter initial press but a heavier bottom out feel, while the Holly switch offers a heavier initial press with an unknown bottom out force. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ash Gray switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Holly switch. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dareu Holly switch has the longer travel distance compared to the KTT Ash Gray switch. A 0.5 mm might not seem like much, but it can make a difference in typing feel and responsiveness. The Ash Gray's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quick response times, while the Holly's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for travel distance. Ultimately, the KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Holly switches offer unique typing experiences due to their slightly different travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch presents a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, providing a distinctive typing experience that stands out from the crowd. Depending on the user's preference for sound, the choice between the two switches will vary to match their desired auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the specific feel of the Dareu Holly switch is not fully described. However, considering the 50g actuation force, users can expect a moderately tactile experience that balances responsiveness with typing ease.
Overall, the decision between the KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Holly switches will ultimately come down to personal preference. While the Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Holly switch provides a unique auditory experience and likely a moderate tactile feel. Both switches offer their own set of qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light touch with a crisp actuation and a tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive, then the Ash Gray switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience, then the Holly switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a light and tactile typing experience or a distinct sound profile, both switches offer their own distinctive qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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