Dareu Holly vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Ink Box Black are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Dareu Holly switch, a tactile option, stands out for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, offering a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black, a linear switch, is praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Holly switch may appeal to those looking for a mix of chirpy and clacky elements, the Ink Box Black is preferred by users who prioritize smoothness and a polished sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Holly Tactile

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Dareu Holly and Gateron Ink Box Black switches both offer unique housing materials that greatly impact the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a slightly higher-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound that is often described as clacky. Both materials offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the polycarbonate providing a more crisp and resonant sound while the INK blend offers a unique clacky sound.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Holly opts for a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, contributing to the overall clacky typing experience of the switch. The choice of housing material for the bottom housing significantly impacts the sound profile of the switch, with nylon offering a more muffled and deeper sound compared to the INK blend's sharp and high-pitched sound.

While the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Holly and Gateron Ink Box Black switches differ in material, both contribute to the overall typing experience in unique ways. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing of the Holly providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Box Black offers a pointed and high-pitched sound. Meanwhile, the top housing plays a key role in the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Holly creating a sharp and resonant sound, in contrast to the INK blend top housing's slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound of the Ink Box Black. Overall, the housing materials of these switches work together to produce distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Holly switch is unknown while the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. The lighter actuation force of the Holly switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier feel of the Ink Box Black switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. While the actuation forces are different, both switches offer a unique typing experience depending on the user's preference for lighter or heavier forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Dareu Holly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Ink Box Black offers a slightly shallower press. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gateron switch for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may opt for the Dareu switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a distinctive typing experience that sets it apart from others. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Holly. Both switches have a clacky element in common, but the Holly introduces a chirpy sound while the Ink Box Black delivers a high-pitched tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly switch does not have specific descriptors provided, making it difficult to directly compare to the Gateron Ink Box Black. The Ink Box Black switch, however, is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and refined key travel. This indicates that the Ink Box Black provides a premium and comfortable feel while typing, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.

Overall, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch differ in sound and feel characteristics, both switches aim to provide users with a high-quality typing experience. The Holly excels in offering a balanced and distinctive sound profile with elements of chirpiness and clackiness, while the Ink Box Black focuses on delivering a smooth and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer incredibly smooth and creamy switches with a sound resembling a spray paint can being shaken, the Ink Box Black might be more to your liking. Additionally, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a distinctive typing experience, the Holly switch with its 50g actuation force could be the right fit. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a bottom out force of 70 grams that provides a medium-heavy feel, the Ink Box Black could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Holly Tactile

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more