TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Holly mechanical keyboard switches, you have two distinct options to consider. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience that allows them to stay focused on their tasks. On the other hand, the Holly switch stands out with its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. While the Gold Brown Pro is praised for its polished and low-pitched sound profile, the Holly switch offers a more lively and distinctive typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Holly both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Holly have nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound.
One key difference between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Holly lies in their top and bottom housing materials. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that offer a sharp and clear sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro has a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This split in housing materials allows users to experience a combination of qualities when typing on these switches. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Despite having different bottom housing materials, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Holly both provide a unique typing experience due to their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. The top housings, made of polycarbonate, enhance the sharpness and clarity of the sound profiles, especially when using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more rounded typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a balance of qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is unclear which one requires more force to fully press down. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro may be preferred by those who type for long periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Holly may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for key presses.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Dareu Holly tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro being on the shallower end and the Holly being closer to the standard 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro for faster response times, while others may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Holly to provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch produces a unique chirpy and clacky sound combination, appealing to users wanting a distinctive and balanced auditory feedback while typing.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its polished, silky, and subtle characteristics, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal friction. In comparison, information regarding the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly switch is not available, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, for those seeking a tactile switch with a subdued sound profile and a gentle tactile bump, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice. However, if you're looking for a switch with a unique sound signature featuring chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of subjective qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual typing preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a subtle, nuanced feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced typing experience, the Dareu Holly switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more understated and polished typing feel or a distinctive and lively typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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