TTC Gold Red vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red 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 Red linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Gold Red provides a buttery smooth feel with a light-medium level of resistance, while also adding a subtle snappy sound profile to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. The Gold Red switch is ideal for those who prefer a more polished and silky typing experience, while the Holly switch caters to users looking for a balanced and distinctive 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red and the Dareu Holly utilize polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate is also notable, especially for switches with RGB lighting capabilities. The similarity in material for the top housing suggests that users can expect similar sound profiles and experiences when using both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Holly feature nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing implies that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
When considering the overall experience of typing on switches with different top and bottom housing materials, it's important to note how each material impacts the sound profile and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, users can make informed decisions about which switch aligns best with their preferences and needs.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and Dareu Holly tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams. However, the Gold Red has a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. This means that the Gold Red provides a lighter typing experience overall, while the Holly may offer a more substantial push feel during keystrokes. For those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Gold Red may be the better choice. Conversely, those who prefer a heavier typing experience may lean towards the Holly, assuming its bottom out force is on the heavier side as well. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of the switches play a significant role in the typing experience and should be considered based on individual preference.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. While the Gold Red is a linear switch and the Holly is a tactile switch, they both offer the same amount of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience for users. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in similar results when it comes to the overall typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Gold Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying tone when typing. On the other hand, the Holly switch is characterized by its chirpy and clacky sound, giving users a unique and distinct typing experience. Both switches share a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the overall sound aesthetic the user is looking for in their keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch is known for its mild and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle feel to users. The subtle and polished qualities of the switch add to its overall refined and comfortable typing experience. As for the Holly switch, information on its tactile feel is unknown. However, based on the sound profile described, users can expect a tactile feedback that complements the unique sound signature of the switch. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Red offering a smoother feel compared to the Holly's potentially more tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gold Red linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer users a variety of subjective qualities to consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Gold Red provides a smooth and low-pitched sound profile along with a silky and mild typing experience, the Holly switch offers a more unique and distinct sound with potentially more tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are versatile options that cater to different typing preferences and styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and enjoy a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, then the Gold Red switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, with a medium actuation force, then the Holly switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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