KTT Darling vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Dareu Holly are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Darling, a linear switch, is praised for its chewy and substantial typing sensation paired with bouncy responsiveness and a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Holly, a tactile switch, stands out with its balanced chirpy and clacky sound signature and medium 50g actuation force. While the Darling excels in providing a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback, the Holly offers a unique typing experience suited for those seeking a blend 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and the Dareu Holly both use polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an ideal choice for switches that prioritize a clean and precise typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. In terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, the KTT Darling and Dareu Holly differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Darling utilizing nylon while the Holly also opts for polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder tone. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, impacting the overall typing experience. While the Holly's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a different sound profile, the Darling's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience that users may prefer for its deeper and more soothing sound.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Darling and Dareu Holly switches allows for a diverse range of sound profiles and typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials influences the sound and feel of pressing down and letting go of a key, with each material contributing its unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. Whether users prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper tone of nylon, both switches offer a variety of options to suit different preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that the Darling requires a lighter force for actuation at 45 grams compared to the Holly at 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling is slightly heavier at 53 grams, whereas the Holly's bottom out force is unavailable. Despite this difference in bottom out force, the actuation force of both switches is relatively similar, providing a consistent typing experience. The Darling's medium-light actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing feel, while the Holly's slightly heavier actuation force could be favored by individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, the Darling has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Holly has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling's 3.5 mm distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those looking for quicker response times, like gamers. On the other hand, the Holly's 4 mm distance provides a more traditional key feel with a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, delivering a crisp and engaging typing experience. The Dareu Holly tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive sound profile that appeals to users seeking a different auditory feedback. Both switches have their own distinct sound qualities, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling switch is described as bouncy, providing a springy and responsive typing sensation that is both satisfying and enjoyable. However, information on the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly switch is not available at this time. Without this information, it's important to note that the tactile feel of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience, so it's worth exploring further if that's a key consideration for you.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Darling provides a bouncy and substantial typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound, while the Holly offers a balanced sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements. If you prioritize a specific sound profile or tactile feel, it's important to consider these differences in order to choose the switch that best suits your preferences. Ultimately, with the right combination of keyboard, keycaps, and personal typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the KTT Darling linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing experience, the Dareu Holly tactile switch with its medium 50g actuation force is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific tactile and auditory feedback you prefer, as well as the overall typing sensation you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
