Gateron CJ vs. Dareu Holly

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and Dareu Holly offer distinct features to appeal to different preferences. The CJ is a linear switch known for its unique and enjoyable presentation with higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Holly is a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, offering a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements. While the CJ provides a neutral and mild typing experience, the Holly caters to users seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

Dareu Holly Tactile

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Dareu Holly, one key difference lies in the top housing. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While both materials offer a distinct sound experience, the CJ's INK blend produces a slightly softer sound compared to the Holly's polycarbonate.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ's POM bottom housing offers an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. In contrast, the Holly's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Both materials contribute to the overall sound experience of the switch, with the CJ's POM providing a deeper, more muted sound compared to the fuller sound elicited by the Holly's nylon bottom housing.

Overall, while the Gateron CJ and the Dareu Holly utilize different housing materials for their switches, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The CJ's combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing creates a softer, slightly muted sound experience, while the Holly's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing result in a sharper, crisper sound with deeper tones. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for sound profile and feel.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Gateron CJ has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing the key, whereas the bottom out force of the Dareu Holly is unknown. The Gateron CJ would be considered the heavier option between the two due to its higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Dareu Holly, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Gateron CJ for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users will experience a similar amount of key travel when using either switch. The CJ and Holly switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel, allowing users to feel a tactile or linear response within the same distance. In this case, both switches provide a standard travel distance, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a specific key travel feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron CJ linear switch is recognized for its higher-pitched clacks and incredibly smooth push feel, providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out with its distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and engaging typing feel. When it comes to sound, the CJ offers a chirpy and low-pitched profile, while the Holly delivers a chirpy and clacky sound, catering to different preferences. In terms of feel, the CJ provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feel of the Holly switch is not available.

In summary, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the CJ provides a higher-pitched and smooth typing experience with a mild feel, the Holly switch delivers a distinctive sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, although tactile feel information is not available. Ultimately, both switches have their own qualities that can enhance the typing experience, and the choice between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CJ linear switch or the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a smooth and unique linear typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the CJ switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a balanced sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch is the way to go. Both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and Dareu Holly switches depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Holly Tactile

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more