Dareu Holly vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Gateron Ink Red offer distinctive typing experiences for different preferences. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, is favored for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, stands out with its lower actuation force, making it ideal for users with a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds are known for their smooth and crispy sound profile, making typing effortless. While both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, it's important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best fit for your needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing. While both materials offer a satisfying sound profile, the polycarbonate of the Holly is known for its clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Red provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp, resulting in a clacky sound that many users find enjoyable.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gateron Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing which also provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Both materials offer unique sound qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing offering a more muted sound compared to the clacky sound of the INK blend bottom housing.
While the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Ink Red may differ in material, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings offer a unique sound profile for each keystroke, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharp and clear sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Holly or the clacky sound of the INK blend housing in the Ink Red, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the Holly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ink Red's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown, while the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Ink Red is overall heavier in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Holly, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron Ink Red for a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their respective tactile and linear characteristics. The Dareu Holly provides a tactile bump when actuated, providing feedback to the user, while the Gateron Ink Red offers a smooth and linear keystroke. Overall, while the travel distance is identical for both switches, the typing experience will vary based on the tactile or linear nature of the switch.
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 Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Holly switch is known for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch offers a satisfyingly smooth, crispy, and clacky sound profile that is effortless to type on. Both switches have qualities that make typing enjoyable, with the Holly providing a more balanced and distinctive sound, while the Ink Red offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience for those with a lighter touch.
When it comes to feel, information about the Holly switch's tactile feedback is currently unavailable. In contrast, the Ink Red switch is known for being silky smooth, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. With a mild and polished feel, the Ink Red switch offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes it appealing to users who prefer a more refined and effortless typing feel.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer different but equally enjoyable typing experiences. The Holly switch provides a unique sound signature with a balanced feel, catering to users looking for a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, making it ideal for users with a lighter typing style. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, although the Holly may offer a more distinctive sound while the Ink Red provides a smoother and more polished feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch with medium 50g actuation force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch with a bottom out force of 60 grams may be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and desired sound and feel characteristics.
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