Dareu Holly vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and HMX Jammy offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, 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. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy, a linear switch, features softer nylon housings and medium-weight keys that offer a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. If you're looking for a switch with a sound profile that is both unique and balanced, the Holly may be the way to go. Whereas, if you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Jammy could be the better choice. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the HMX Jammy, one key difference is the top housing material used in each switch. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Jammy utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials leads to a noticeable difference in the sound produced by these switches.
Another point of comparison between the Dareu Holly and the HMX Jammy is their use of nylon for the bottom housing material. Both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience for both switches. Despite this similarity in bottom housing material, other factors in the switch design may still contribute to differences in sound and feel between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the Dareu Holly and the HMX Jammy both feature nylon as the bottom housing material for a deeper and fuller sound, their differing top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holly produces a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Jammy creates a deeper and fuller sound. These differences highlight the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience and sound quality of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Holly requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, making the Holly the lighter option. However, the Jammy has a known bottom out force of 63 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. This means that the Jammy is the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force dictates the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the amount of force when completely pressing the key down. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Holly, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Jammy. Regardless, both switches offer their unique characteristics and can provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Jammy linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Holly offers a tad more depth compared to the Jammy. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Jammy with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Holly. Ultimately, both switches provide a tactile feel but differ slightly in the length of travel distance, so choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for key press depth.
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 HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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
The Dareu Holly tactile switch is praised for its unique sound profile, combining chirpy and clacky elements that offer a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The medium 50g actuation force adds to the tactile feedback, making each keystroke satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch features a softer nylon housing, resulting in a more muted sound profile that still provides a deeply satisfying typing experience. The lack of specific descriptors for the Jammy's sound means that it may appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the overall satisfaction of using the switch.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly and HMX Jammy switches do not have specific descriptors provided. However, based on their design and weight, we can infer that the Holly switch's tactile bump may provide a more pronounced feedback during typing, giving users a heightened sense of each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Jammy's linear design offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, resulting in a consistent experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more fluid typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feedback and typing style.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and potentially different typing experiences. While the Holly switch provides a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds for a balanced typing experience, the Jammy switch offers a quieter and more muted sound with a deeply satisfying feel. Both switches cater to users looking for medium-weight switches, but their specific qualities like sound and feel will ultimately guide users in choosing the switch that best suits their preferences. Consider experimenting with different combinations of keyboards and keycaps to further customize and enhance the overall typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, you'll want to opt for the Holly if you are looking for a unique sound signature with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, and a medium 50g actuation force. The Holly switch caters to those who seek a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, along with a bottom out force of 63 grams, the Jammy linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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