Dareu Holly vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and KTT Hyacinth mechanical keyboard switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Holly, known for its medium 50g actuation force, provides a distinctive typing experience with a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users looking for a balanced and unique feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at avoiding the common hard bottoming-out experience in switches with longer stems. With a commitment to balancing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Hyacinth utilizes a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. While the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle.' Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but diving deeper into their individual characteristics can help you decide on the best switch for your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the KTT Hyacinth both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. In terms of sound, both switches will likely offer similar results as a result of their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, the Holly and the Hyacinth diverge when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Hyacinth also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Holly and the KTT Hyacinth may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials may offer slight variations in sound and typing experience. Ultimately, users may want to consider how each housing material contributes to the overall performance of the switch when making their decision.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams. However, the Holly does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Hyacinth switch offers a lighter actuation force but a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Holly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Hyacinth for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Holly for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Hyacinth is lighter due to its lower actuation force compared to the Holly.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Hyacinth has a shorter travel distance compared to the Holly. The 0.5 mm may seem like a small difference, but it can impact the feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Holly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience that stands out from the rest. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, the Holly's sound signature may be more appealing to those looking for a livelier typing experience, whereas the Hyacinth's neutral sound may be preferred in shared spaces or for those seeking a more subtle auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly switch does not have specific descriptors available, so it may offer a standard tactile experience without any standout characteristics. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is noted as having a subtle resistance, offering a light typing feel without being overly feather-light. This may appeal to users who prioritize smoothness and comfort in their typing sessions.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch both offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly excels in providing a distinctively chirpy and clacky sound profile, catering to those seeking a livelier typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its silky smooth feel and subtle resistance, offering a comfortable typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to find the one that best suits their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prioritize a unique typing experience with a balanced sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a 3.5mm travel distance to minimize hard bottoming-out, a commitment to a consistent force curve with a single-stage elongated spring, and a moderate 56g bottom out force, then the Hyacinth switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value most - whether it be the distinctive sound of the Holly or the smooth feel and design considerations of the Hyacinth.
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