Bsun Pine vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and the Dareu Holly stand out as top contenders for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Pine is recognized for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, appealing to individuals who value direct and precise feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Holly offers a medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that merges chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users. Both switches bring their own strengths to the table, making them suitable choices for different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and Dareu Holly both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches that want to produce a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Since both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Bsun Pine utilizes nylon, while the Dareu Holly also uses nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may affect the overall sound and feel of each switch when typing, as the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both the Bsun Pine and Dareu Holly share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing material (nylon) may lead to variations in sound profiles. Users who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards switches with polycarbonate top housings, while those who enjoy a deeper and fuller sound might prefer switches with nylon bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Pine and Dareu Holly will come down to personal preference regarding sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that the Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine is heavier at 65 grams, while the force required for the Holly is unknown. The Pine offers a medium-heavy typing experience, whereas the Holly's typing experience is uncertain due to the lack of information on bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Bsun Pine would be the preferable choice, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Dareu Holly if it offers a heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Dareu Holly tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine offers a quicker response time, making it preferred by gamers who want faster feedback. On the other hand, the Holly provides a deeper key press feel, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly being on the longer side and the Pine being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for response time versus key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 BSUN Pine tactile switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. The sound produced by the Pine switch is not explicitly described, but given its characteristics of sharp tactility and fast action, it is likely to have a more pronounced and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out with its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering users a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The sound produced by the Holly switch is characterized as chirpy and clacky, providing a mix of squeakiness and sharpness when pressed.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Pine switch is described as having an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feel. These qualities suggest that the Pine switch provides a tactile feedback that is prominent, responsive, and distinct with each keypress. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Dareu Holly switch, so it is difficult to directly compare the tactile experience between the two.
In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and a more pronounced sound profile, the BSUN Pine tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature and a medium actuation force, the Dareu Holly tactile switch could be the perfect fit for you. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the right switch for you, so trying out different switches firsthand is always recommended to find the ideal match for your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out action, the Bsun Pine tactile switch would be a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, along with its distinct and direct tactility, make it a favorite for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a balanced sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly tactile switch with its medium 50g actuation force would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactility and sound when typing. Choose the Bsun Pine for a more defined tactile typing experience, or opt for the Dareu Holly for a unique sound profile that adds character to your keystrokes.
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