HMX Blue Topaz vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Blue Topaz and Dareu Holly mechanical keyboard switches offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz's linear switch is prized for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless and enjoyable. Its visually appealing glitter housing adds a touch of luxury, while the clacky sound signature enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is best for those who prefer easy-to-press keys with a clacky sound, the Holly caters to users looking for a combination of chirpy and clacky elements. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The similarities between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Holly are quite apparent when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aspect to the overall design. Therefore, users can expect similar performance and aesthetics from both the Blue Topaz and the Holly when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz and the Holly also share common characteristics. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. With both the Blue Topaz and the Holly featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar level of sound and feel when typing on these switches, providing a consistent typing experience across both models.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Holly, the differences in their top and bottom housings can still influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing means that when users press down on a key, they will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials adds a layer of complexity to the typing experience, allowing users to appreciate the nuances in sound and feel that each switch offers.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz is the lighter option. With an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, the Blue Topaz provides a light and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. While the Blue Topaz offers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Holly switch may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. In conclusion, the actuation force and bottom out force of both switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience, with the Blue Topaz being the lighter option of the two.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their quicker response times, especially among gamers. The Blue Topaz offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Holly switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feeling. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
The Blue Topaz linear switch is renowned for its clacky sound profile, providing users with a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, catering to those seeking a balanced and distinctive sound signature. While the Blue Topaz's sound is more defined by its crisp and bright clackiness, the Holly switch introduces a playful squeakiness that adds character to the typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz stands out for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for key activation. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While information on the feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not available, based on the Blue Topaz's easy-to-press characteristic, users can expect a similar level of responsiveness and low-impact typing feel from the Holly switch.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch excels in providing a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a clacky sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate a visually and audibly pleasing keyboard switch. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound profile combining chirpy and clacky elements, catering to those looking for a distinctive typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths, making them suitable choices for different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound, the Blue Topaz is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements with a medium actuation force, the Holly switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for typing experience and sound profile, so make sure to test out both switches to see which one suits your needs best.
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