Dareu Holly vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When comparing the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, it is important to note the distinct characteristics of each. The Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to those seeking a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. While the Holly is known for its 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral' qualities, the Ink Yellow is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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 Yellow Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Dareu Holly and the Gateron Ink Yellow both feature unique housing materials for their switches. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is slightly less sharp but still high-pitched and satisfyingly clacky. In terms of aesthetics, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing is translucent and ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the Ink Yellow's top housing is made of a proprietary blend that creates a distinct sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use different materials - the Holly with nylon and the Ink Yellow with its INK blend. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributes to its clacky and high-pitched sound.

In terms of sound profile, the differences between the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Ink Yellow mainly lie in their top housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the Holly's top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Ink Yellow's proprietary blend offers a slightly less sharp but still satisfying sound. Both switches have unique qualities brought by their bottom housing materials - the nylon bottom housing of the Holly creating a rounder sound and the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributing to its high-pitched and clacky sound. While the top housings have a greater impact on the sound when pressing down and letting go of a key, the bottom housings affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

Overall, the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Ink Yellow offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, while the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a slightly less sharp but still clacky sound. Both switches have unique bottom housing materials - nylon for the Holly and the INK blend for the Ink Yellow, each impacting the overall sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics based on their housing materials.

Weight

In comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ink Yellow's 60 grams. The bottom out force of the Holly is unknown, while the Ink Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Holly requires less force to trigger a keystroke but may lack the resistance desired by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow provides a bit more resistance, which may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial push feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Holly being lighter and potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Ink Yellow offers a heavier feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and intended use.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the Holly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ink Yellow the shorter of the two switches in terms of travel distance. The Holly with its 4 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Ink Yellow. Both are within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly being on the longer side and the Ink Yellow being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound quality of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the Holly offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch is noted for its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, offering a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Both switches have a clacky sound profile, but the Holly introduces a chirpy element that sets it apart. Overall, users can expect a more unique sound experience with the Holly compared to the Ink Yellow.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, details about the Holly are currently unavailable, whereas the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel with reduced friction. This indicates that users can expect a gentle typing experience with a sleek feel when using the Ink Yellow switch. Without specific information on the feel of the Holly, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile feel of the two switches.

In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its unique sound signature featuring chirpy and clacky elements, offering users a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a smooth and clacky typing experience, with a mild feel and polished finish for reduced friction and sleek key travel. While both switches have a clacky sound profile, the Holly introduces a chirpy sound element that sets it apart from the Ink Yellow. If a user prefers a more unique sound experience, the Holly may be the preferred choice. However, for those seeking a smoother typing experience with reduced friction, the Ink Yellow switch would be a suitable option.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a unique sound signature with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, as well as a medium actuation force, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, clacky typing experience with a shorter travel distance and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Yellow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Holly Tactile

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more