Dareu Holly vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Dareu Holly and TTC Honey mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Dareu Holly switch offers a tactile typing experience with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users who enjoy a balanced and distinctive feel while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more subdued and frictionless 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the TTC Honey, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both keyboards share this feature, their sound profiles may vary slightly due to other factors such as keycap materials or plate construction.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Holly and the Honey differ in material. The Holly utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. In contrast, the Honey features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing material for a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two keyboards.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed in the switch. With different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities brought by each material will be felt when pressing down on the switch and when letting go of a key. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Dareu Holly and the TTC Honey both feature key elements such as polycarbonate top housings, their unique combination of materials in the bottom housing may lead to subtle differences in typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Honey linear switch which has an actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Holly switch requires more force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Honey switch has a higher bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Holly switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Honey switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Holly switch may be lighter in terms of bottom out force - although this cannot be confirmed without the specific information. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Honey switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the Holly switch for a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is evident that the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Honey's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Holly being on the longer side and the Honey on the shorter side. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey, while those seeking a more substantial keypress experience may lean towards the Holly. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
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 TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience that stands out. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its deep and pleasant sound profile, offering a smooth and creamy typing experience. While the Holly switch has a more pronounced and lively sound, the Honey switch provides a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, catering to various user preferences based on sound alone.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch offer different tactile sensations. The Holly switch has medium actuation force but lacks specific descriptors for feel, while the Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. This indicates that the Honey switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a focus on fluid travel and a polished finish. In contrast, the specific tactile feel of the Holly switch is not mentioned, making it challenging to directly compare the two in terms of typing feel.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch offer unique and distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard users. The Holly switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, catering to those looking for a lively typing experience, while the Honey switch provides a smoother and creamier sound profile, prioritizing a polished and frictionless typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and aesthetic preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium 50g actuation force with a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound, the Holly switch would be a great choice for a balanced and unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter 50g actuation force with a smooth and creamy typing feel, the Honey switch would offer a pleasant and subtle sound profile. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. Choose the switch that best suits your style and enhances your overall typing experience.
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