TTC Gold Brown vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that might catch your attention are the TTC Gold Brown and the Dareu Holly, both tactile switches with their own unique characteristics. The Gold Brown is praised for its balanced nature, providing a slight bump and moderate weightiness that is accompanied by a softer sound profile, making it a versatile option for those seeking a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, offering users a distinctive typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but, before making a decision, it is important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown and the Dareu Holly feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal choices for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for beautiful lighting effects. Additionally, both switches using polycarbonate top housings will have a similar aesthetic appeal due to the clear housing material.
On the other hand, the Gold Brown and Holly differ when it comes to their bottom housing material. The Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Holly also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same deep and full sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials gives each switch a unique sound characteristic.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch impacts the overall sound and feel of typing. While both the Gold Brown and Holly have similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, the distinction in their nylon bottom housings will influence the typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This differentiation allows for a varied typing experience between the two switches despite sharing similarities in their top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams. Additionally, the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams while the force required for bottoming out with the Holly is unknown. This makes the Gold Brown slightly heavier in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. Some may prefer the Gold Brown for a more substantial typing experience, while others may find the lighter actuation force of the Holly more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a heavier or lighter key press.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback and actuation point, providing a similar typing or gaming experience for users. Overall, the travel distance of the Gold Brown and the Holly switches are comparable, making them both suitable options for those seeking a tactile switch with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Holly switch provides a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements that set it apart from other switches. The Gold Brown switch may be a better choice for those looking for a softer sound, while the Holly switch appeals to users seeking a more distinctive typing experience with its chirpy and clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch is praised for its mild and buttery typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. It also offers accentuated tactility without being overwhelming, providing a smooth and polished typing sensation. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Holly switch is unavailable, so it's recommended to try it out firsthand to determine its tactile characteristics.
Overall, if you enjoy a balanced and moderate sound and feel, both the Gold Brown and Holly switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switch is ideal for those seeking a softer sound and a buttery typing experience, while the Holly switch appeals to users looking for a more distinctive sound signature with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, the decision between TTC Gold Brown and Dareu Holly tactile switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are looking for a well-balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, along with a softer sound profile, then the Gold Brown might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users seeking a distinctive typing experience, then the Holly switch could be the better option. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision to ensure that you choose the switch that best suits your preferences and needs.
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