Durock Black Lotus vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, with the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, clear differences emerge. The Black Lotus stands out for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for optimal typing satisfaction. The 55g actuation weight offers a substantial feel without being too heavy, and the unique light column adds a visually appealing touch to the switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly boasts a medium 50g actuation force and a distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and unique typing experience. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Holly switches both feature unique and premium housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a distinct feel and sound, while the Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches utilize top housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience, with the Black Lotus focusing on a premium feel and the Holly emphasizing a clear and resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. While the materials may differ, both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience through their housing choices.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Holly switches utilize nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This quality is reflected in both switches, as they aim to enhance the typing experience through the use of nylon bottom housings. While other aspects of the switches may differ, such as the top housing materials, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent and satisfying typing experience for both the Black Lotus and the Holly switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Black Lotus and the Holly switches showcases a blend of unique qualities and characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Black Lotus focuses on a premium feel and a unique blend of PC & UPE materials for its top housing, the Holly emphasizes a sharper and clearer sound profile through its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Whether you prefer a switch with a unique feel or one with a crisp sound, both the Black Lotus and the Holly switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch differ in weight. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Holly due to its lower actuation force, while users who desire a more substantial feel may lean towards the Black Lotus with its higher forces. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to customize their keyboard according to their preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it can be said that they offer a consistent feel in terms of keypress depth. This means that whether you opt for the Black Lotus or the Holly switch, you can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. Both switches will offer a smooth and consistent feel when typing or gaming, making them both viable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a reliable switch with a comfortable travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a neutral sound profile suitable for a wide range of users, depending on their preferences for a crisp or more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch provides a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, which adds a distinctive sound signature to the typing experience. The choice between the two will depend on whether the user prefers a more traditional or a more unique sound.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is renowned for its silky and buttery smooth typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a seamless and effortless keystroke. In contrast, information on the feel of the Dareu Holly switch is unavailable, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing feel. Users looking for a smoother typing experience may lean towards the Black Lotus switch based on the available information.
Taking into account all the available information, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a smooth and precise typing experience with a 55g actuation weight and a unique light column feature for in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its distinctive sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements with a medium 50g actuation force. Depending on whether the user prioritizes sound or feel in their mechanical keyboard switch, both options provide unique qualities to cater to different preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand may be the best way to determine which one suits an individual's typing style and preferences the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you value a smooth and precise typing experience with a light in-switch lighting feature and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a balanced typing experience that offers a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, and don't mind the lack of a specified bottom out force, then the Holly could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure the best match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
