Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Holly mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that both offer tactile feedback but with slightly different characteristics. The Beer switch stands out with its translucent green appearance, reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, and its lightweight feel. It features a stepped tactility that provides a subtler tactile experience compared to the continuous curve of other switches, along with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Holly switch from Dareu boasts a medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users seeking a balanced typing experience. While the Beer switch is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Stepped', the Holly switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Neutral'. These general distinctions can help guide you in choosing a switch that aligns with your preferences; 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Holly feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to enhance the clear and resonant sound profile, while the Dareu Holly features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
One key difference between the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Holly lies in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile associated with this material, ensuring a consistent overall sound experience throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Gateron Beer, offering a different typing experience for users seeking a more muted sound.
While the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Holly both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the use of different materials for the bottom housing creates distinct sound profiles for each switch. The Gateron Beer's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings results in a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Holly's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, offering users a softer and more muted typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences between the two. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Holly, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams to fully press down the key, while the bottom out force for the Holly is unknown. This means that the Beer switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, which may be preferred for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Holly switch offers a more substantial push feel, which could be favored by those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Holly has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered the most traditional, while a 3.4mm distance falls on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Beer a popular choice for gaming keyboards. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press might opt for the Holly with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and tactility.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer switch is praised for its distinctive clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch boasts a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to those who seek a balanced and distinctive typing experience. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Beer switch leans towards a sharper sound profile compared to the Holly switch, which has a mix of chirpy and clacky tones.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required for activation. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility, offering a more subtle feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Dareu Holly switch is unavailable. However, based on its medium 50g actuation force, it can be assumed that the feel of the Holly switch may offer a balanced tactile experience without being too heavy or too light.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer switch stands out for its light actuation force, stepped tactility, and characteristic clacky sound signature, providing a refreshing and effervescent typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch offers a 50g actuation force, a unique sound profile combining chirpy and clacky elements, and a yet-to-be-determined tactile feel. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a unique clacky sound with a stepped tactile feel, the Gateron Beer switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium actuation force switch with a sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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