TTC Gold Pink vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and Dareu Holly stand out as popular options with their unique characteristics. The Gold Pink is a linear switch with a mere 37g actuation force, making it incredibly light and effortless to type on, perfect for fast typists and gamers seeking a responsive feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly is a tactile switch with a slightly higher 50g actuation force, offering a distinctive typing experience with a mix of chirpy and clacky sound elements. While the Gold Pink provides a light and lively typing experience, the Holly caters to users looking for a balanced and unique typing feel. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Dareu Holly, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Aesthetically, the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a popular choice for switches with lighting features. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound experience, highlighting the similarities in sound quality between the Gold Pink and the Holly.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches differ as the Gold Pink features a nylon bottom housing, while the Holly also utilizes nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is significant, emphasizing the importance of housing material in overall sound quality and typing experience.
Overall, while both the TTC Gold Pink and the Dareu Holly share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing to create a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. The Gold Pink's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Holly's nylon bottom housing similarly contributes to a rounder and duller sound profile. The combination of housing materials influences the overall sound and typing feel of each switch, highlighting the importance of material selection in creating a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams, making the Holly the heavier option. When it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Pink requires 45 grams to fully press down, while the information for the Holly is unknown. Lighter actuation forces like the one found in the Gold Pink are favored by those who prefer a smoother and easier typing experience for extended periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, heavier actuation forces like the one in the Holly provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will largely depend on individual preferences for typing feel and key press resistance.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. Therefore, when comparing the two switches in terms of travel distance, they both offer a consistent experience for users. The similarity in travel distance means that users can expect similar results when using either switch, as the distance traveled from the top to the bottom of the switch will be the same. This allows for a comparable typing or gaming experience, as the tactile feedback and travel distance will be consistent regardless of which switch is chosen. Ultimately, whether choosing the Gold Pink or the Holly switch, users can enjoy a smooth and consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 4mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Pink linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which provides a satisfying level of feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to those seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Gold Pink providing a more pronounced clacky sound compared to the Holly's chirpy and clacky combination. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Pink linear switch is often described as providing a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These qualities signify a smooth, gentle, light, comfortable, and refined typing sensation, respectively. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided. While the Gold Pink switch offers a variety of tactile experiences, the Dareu Holly's feel remains a mystery. Depending on the user's preference for typing feel and feedback, the Gold Pink may be a more appealing option due to its range of described sensations.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink delivers a light and lively typing experience with a pronounced clacky sound and a range of tactile sensations. In contrast, the Dareu Holly provides a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, while information regarding its feel remains undisclosed. Ultimately, depending on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience, users can choose between the light and lively Gold Pink switch or the distinctive Dareu Holly switch to elevate their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Pink linear switch or the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with a clacky sound profile, then the Gold Pink switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you're seeking a distinctive typing experience with a mix of chirpy and clacky sound elements, the Holly switches may be more suitable. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the sound you prefer, and the tactile feedback you desire when making your decision between these two switches.
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