Dareu Holly vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, and the Zuoce Lavender, a linear switch. The Dareu Holly is known for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, and offers a crisp and clacky sound signature for a satisfying typing experience. While the Holly is favored for its balanced feel and sound, the Lavender excels in smoothness and satisfaction. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Zuoce Lavender both feature unique housing materials that play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lavender's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Holly is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM top housing of the Lavender offers a distinct and pleasing sound profile that appeals to users looking for a deeper tone.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Holly utilizes a nylon housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Lavender also features a POM bottom housing that contributes to the switch's deep and muted sound profile. Both nylon and POM are known for their sound absorbing properties, with nylon being relatively softer and creating a duller sound, and POM offering a unique and pleasing sound experience. The bottom housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in the overall sound profile and feel of typing on the switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials may differ between the Dareu Holly and the Zuoce Lavender, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows users to experience a combination of qualities when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Holly or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Lavender, both switches provide a distinctive typing experience that sets them apart in the mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch reveals some key differences. The Holly has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams, indicating a slightly heavier touch required to register a key press. However, the bottom out force of the Lavender is 53 grams, making it heavier than the Holly, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the initial push on the Holly may be slightly heavier, the Lavender requires more force to fully press the key down. Overall, the Holly provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming, while the Lavender offers a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push.Both options offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Holly offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Lavender provides a shorter travel distance, which can result in quicker response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, with the Holly being the longer option and the Lavender being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, offering a distinctive typing experience that caters to users looking for a balanced sound signature. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch delivers a crisp and clacky sound with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. While both switches offer a clacky sound profile, the Holly switch adds a chirpy element to its sound, setting it apart in terms of acoustic experience. Ultimately, the sound preferences between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Holly offering a more balanced and unique sound profile compared to the Lavender's straightforward clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for being easy-to-press. The easy-to-press nature of the Lavender switch is attributed to its gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Holly switch remains unknown, leaving room for interpretation based on its medium 50g actuation force. Ultimately, if a user prefers a lighter and easier typing experience, the Lavender switch may be more suitable, while the Holly switch could provide a different tactile feel that is not specified in the information provided.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a unique sound signature with its chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users looking for a balanced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Lavender switch emphasizes exceptional smoothness and an easy-to-press nature, making typing comfortable and effortless. While both switches have their own strengths, ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. Users seeking a more balanced and unique sound experience may lean towards the Holly switch, while those prioritizing a smooth and easy keystroke may prefer the Lavender switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you value a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium actuation force, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize exceptional smoothness and a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound, with a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort, the Lavender switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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