Dareu Holly vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and TTC Light Cloud V2 offer unique experiences for users looking for tactile and linear switches, respectively. The Dareu Holly's medium 50g actuation force provides a balanced and distinctive typing experience, with a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is known for its silent operation and lightweight nature, offering a refined typing feel for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced experience. While the Holly is more tactile and catered towards users seeking a distinctive sound, the Light Cloud V2 provides a quiet and easy-to-press option for a softer typing experience. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and the TTC Light Cloud V2 utilize nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in material choice ensures that both keyboards will provide a satisfying typing experience with a tactile and resonant sound.
In contrast, the Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Light Cloud V2 utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature that enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, typing on switches with a nylon top housing like the Light Cloud V2 produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of the material. These differences in top housing material between the two keyboards result in varying sound profiles and tactile feedback for users to choose from based on their preferences.
Overall, while the Dareu Holly and the TTC Light Cloud V2 may differ in their choice of top housing material, both keyboards offer a pleasing typing experience with distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing on the Holly or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon top housing on the Light Cloud V2, both keyboards provide unique options for users seeking a tactile and resonant typing experience. Regardless of the material used for the top housing, the nylon bottom housing on both keyboards ensures a consistent depth and fullness in sound when typing, making them both excellent choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch both offer different experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Holly has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 45 grams, making the Holly require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Light Cloud V2 is heavier at 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Light Cloud V2 for its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming use. On the other hand, users looking for a more robust typing experience may opt for the Holly due to its heavier actuation force. Both switches offer their own benefits and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance. The Holly switch provides a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more traditional typing feel. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a deeper press, the Dareu Holly switch may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a shorter and more responsive press, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch would be the ideal choice.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience. The chirpy sound adds a touch of whimsy, while the clacky sound brings a sharp and percussive note to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is characterized by a muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Holly switch. This makes the Light Cloud V2 an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch does not have any specific descriptors provided. However, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is noted for its mild and easy-to-press characteristics. The mild feel of the Light Cloud V2 offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, while the easy-to-press nature of the switch reduces finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the feathery quality of the Light Cloud V2 ensures that each keystroke requires minimal exertion, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a unique sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. In comparison, the Light Cloud V2 switch stands out as a silent option with a refined and muted sound profile, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. When it comes to feel, while the Holly switch's feel is not specified, the Light Cloud V2 switch offers a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience that prioritizes comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique sound signature with a medium actuation force, the Holly may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent switch with a lighter actuation force and a refined typing feel, the Light Cloud V2 could be more suitable. Consider your typing environment, preferences for sound and feel, and the type of typing experience you are seeking when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
