KTT Cream Yellow vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Dareu Holly stand out as popular options with their distinct characteristics. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch known for its bouncy and clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that deliver resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly is a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, offering a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. Whether you prefer a bouncy linear switch or a tactile switch with a unique sound, both the Cream Yellow and the Holly have something to offer. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Dareu Holly, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting. As a result, both the Cream Yellow and the Holly are likely to produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Conversely, the Dareu Holly also features a nylon bottom housing, indicating that both switches are likely to offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared bottom housing material.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Dareu Holly are identical in their use of polycarbonate, the switches differ in their bottom housings. The Cream Yellow's use of nylon for the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Holly's nylon bottom housing is likely to offer a similar typing experience. As a result, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when typing.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a similar initial typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Holly switch, for which the bottom out force is unknown. The Cream Yellow offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Holly switch may be lighter overall. This makes the Cream Yellow ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while the Holly switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Yellow being on the shallower end and the Holly being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Cream Yellow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more substantial keypress may opt for the Holly with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is unavailable at this time. However, based on the description provided, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring. This means that users can expect a lively and spring-like feedback when typing on Cream Yellow switches. Without specific details on the feel of the Holly switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of typing experience.
Taking into account the available information, it is clear that both the Cream Yellow and Holly switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, the Holly switch offers a combination of chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as the sound and feel can greatly impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide users with a satisfying typing experience, and depending on individual preferences, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, then the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing experience, then the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the sound profile and typing feel of the switch. Choose the Cream Yellow for a clacky and bouncy typing experience, or opt for the Holly for a blend of chirpy and clacky elements. Happy typing!
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