Kailh Berry vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and Dareu Holly offer distinct typing experiences. The Berry, a linear switch, provides a hefty and springy typing feel with a chalk-like texture, and a fairly deep sound profile categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, offering a balanced and distinctive typing experience categorized as chirpy, clacky, and neutral. While each switch has its own appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Dareu Holly both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing look when combined with lighting effects. While both switches share this top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
The Kailh Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound qualities to the Kailh Berry. This classic switch housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch.
Overall, while the top housings of the Kailh Berry and Dareu Holly are the same, their choice of bottom housing material gives each switch its unique sound profile. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings impacts both the sound and feel when using these switches. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, both the Kailh Berry and Dareu Holly offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference between the two. The Berry linear switch has no actuation force specified, making it difficult to determine how light or heavy the keystrokes would feel. However, it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Holly tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Holly switch is not provided. Overall, the Berry switch is heavier in bottom out force, while the Holly switch is lighter in actuation force. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Holly switch for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Berry switch for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Berry has a shorter travel distance compared to the Holly. The traditional travel distance is around 4.0 mm, making the Holly more in line with the standard distance. Gamers typically prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Berry a popular choice for gaming setups. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Berry too abrupt for their liking, in which case they may prefer the longer travel distance of the Holly for a more satisfying key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky elements, giving users a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a hint of squeakiness and crispness. Both switches offer different sound profiles catering to varying preferences, so the choice between them would depend on the individual's preference for deeper tones or chirpier sounds.
Moving on to feel, the Berry linear switch is described as having a chalk-like texture when typing on them, providing a springy and tactile experience. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the Dareu Holly tactile switch in terms of feel. However, it is important to note that feel is subjective and can vary from person to person based on individual preferences for typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles. The Berry switch provides a deep and textured typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Holly switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that users can find the perfect switch to match their typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a springy, chalk-like typing feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be a suitable option. Consider your preferences in typing feel and sound profile when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs and typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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