Kailh Box Jade vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices that stand out are the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Holly. The Box Jade is favored for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a satisfyingly crunchy and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch with its 50g actuation force offers a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Holly switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a more resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing, creating a visually appealing effect. While both switches share this common top housing material, they may vary in terms of design and color options.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Holly switches feature nylon housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastic materials, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder tone. This bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, influencing the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, slight variations in design and construction may lead to subtle differences in the typing experience between the two.
Overall, the unique combination of polycarbonate top housing for sharp sound and nylon bottom housing for a deeper tone in both the Kailh Box Jade and Dareu Holly switches makes them both appealing options for users seeking a particular sound profile in their mechanical keyboards. While similarities in housing materials may provide comparable results in terms of sound and feel, differences in design, construction, and overall typing experience may still exist between the two switches. Ultimately, personal preference and specific typing requirements will play a significant role in determining which switch is the better choice for individual users.
Weight
The actuation force of both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch is 50 grams, making them equal in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade has a force of 60 grams, while the Holly's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Jade is slightly heavier when fully pressed compared to the Holly. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Box Jade for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Holly for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Box Jade slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Holly. In terms of typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade may provide a quicker and more responsive feel, which is favored by many gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Holly may offer a more satisfying and deeper keypress for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
The Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a moderate 50g actuation force. While the Box Jade provides an accented and invigorating feel with medium-heavy typing experience and tactile bumps, the feel of the Holly switch is not detailed in the information provided.
Overall, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched, crunchy sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more balanced sound signature with a mix of chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch might be more to your liking. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, so exploring and trying out different options is key to finding the perfect fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch might be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound profile, tactility, and typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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