KTT Grapefruit vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Dareu Holly offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch, is praised for its soft and light feel, as well as its unique "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, stands out for its medium 50g actuation force and combination of chirpy and clacky sound elements. While the Grapefruit is known for its low-pitched and polished feel, the Holly is recognized for its chirpy and clacky characteristics. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
1.90 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 KTT Grapefruit 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 results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. With both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using them.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Grapefruit and the Holly utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. This material choice for the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, providing users with a satisfying typing experience that is consistent across both the Grapefruit and the Holly.
Overall, while the top housings of the KTT Grapefruit and the Dareu Holly are the same, the difference in bottom housings between the two switches may lead to slight variations in sound profiles and typing experiences. Users can expect a sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing, with a deeper and fuller sound coming from the nylon bottom housing. Regardless of these differences, both switches offer a quality typing experience with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit requires 53 grams while the Holly's bottom out force is unknown. The Grapefruit falls into the medium-light category in terms of force required, providing a smoother typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Holly's tactile switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to those who desire a more substantial typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on an individual's preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This makes them equal in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Despite both having the same travel distance, the two switches have different tactile characteristics - with the Grapefruit being a linear switch and the Holly being a tactile switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer the shorter travel distance of the Grapefruit or the longer travel distance of the Holly will depend on your personal preference for typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that is both bass-heavy and mellow, contributing to a serene typing experience. In comparison, the Dareu Holly tactile switch provides a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinct and balanced sound that stands out during typing sessions. When it comes to the feel, the Grapefruit switch is known for its polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Dareu Holly switch is not available. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to varying preferences, with the Grapefruit focusing on a softer tone and the Holly providing a more distinctive and lively typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a low-pitched, mellow sound or a chirpy and clacky typing experience, you can achieve similar results with these switches by selecting the one that aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a soft and light linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, then the KTT Grapefruit switch would be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, then the Dareu Holly switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style.
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