Dareu Holly vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Holly and the Durock Ice King Tactile are two options that stand out for their unique characteristics. The Dareu Holly switch, with its medium 50g actuation force, offers a typing experience that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users seeking a balanced and distinctive feel. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactiles elevate tactile typing to an art form with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile experience. While the Holly is known for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky smoothness and subtle tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly uses a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which produces a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the Holly's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing provides a classic sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Holly and the Durock Ice King Tactile utilize nylon material. This choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. As a result, whether it's the Holly or the Ice King Tactile, typing on these switches will elicit a satisfying sound experience that is enhanced by the nylon bottom housing. The similarities in the choice of housing material for the bottom housing highlight the importance of sound quality and user experience in both switches.
When comparing the two switches, it is evident that the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Dareu Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon bottom housing in both switches enhances the sound profile further, providing a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether it's the Holly or the Ice King Tactile, users can expect a high-quality sound output due to the carefully selected housing materials in each switch.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Ice King Tactile is 68 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the bottom out force of the Holly is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Holly may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, with the force differences offering users the choice between a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Holly. The Holly offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ice King Tactile provides a shallower feel with its 3.5 mm travel distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Holly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 offers a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinct and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a smoother and less pronounced acoustics compared to most switches. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Holly providing a more unique and lively auditory feedback, while the Ice King Tactile delivers a quieter and more refined typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch lacks specific descriptions in the provided information, leaving room for subjective interpretation. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. The Ice King Tactile switch provides a unique tactile sensation with its combination of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, making it a top choice for users seeking a satisfying and luxurious typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a chirpy and clacky sound signature for a lively typing experience, while the Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound with a silky and polished feel, creating a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a more distinctive sound profile with the Holly switch or a luxurious typing feel with the Ice King Tactile switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can find a tactile switch that suits their individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a unique sound signature with a balance of chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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