Dareu Holly vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and the Durock Light Tactile are two popular mechanical keyboard switches in the tactile category, each offering a unique typing experience. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility, providing a softer touch compared to other tactile switches in the market. While the Holly switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Neutral', the Light Tactile switch falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences in typing feedback. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and the Durock Light Tactile feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use in switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this common material for their top housing, they may differ in terms of the overall feel and sound produced due to other factors such as the design of the switch.
On the other hand, the Holly and the Light Tactile diverge when it comes to their bottom housings. The Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic. In contrast, the Light Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This commonality in their choice of bottom housing material may result in comparable typing experiences for users of both switches.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the Dareu Holly and the Durock Light Tactile, affecting the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This means that even though both switches share similar housing materials in some aspects, the specific design and combination of materials used in each switch may result in unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams. Both switches do not have a specified bottom out force, making it a mystery how much force is required to bottom out. The Holly switch may provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Light Tactile may offer a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. As a result, you can expect similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience from both switches. Overall, both the Dareu Holly and Durock Light Tactile switches offer a standard travel distance of 4 mm, providing a familiar and comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 comparing the sound of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Holly offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, giving it a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a gentler and more angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, and adaptable for various environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Holly switch has no specific descriptors provided, while the Light Tactile switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. The mild tactility of the Light Tactile switch provides a gentle typing feel, catering to users who prefer a less pronounced tactile bump. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. Despite the lack of specific descriptors for the Holly switch, users can expect a comfortable typing experience given its medium 50g actuation force.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide a quality typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the chirpy and clacky sound of the Holly switch or the gentle tactility and jelly-like sound of the Light Tactile switch, both options cater to unique preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Consider factors such as sound preferences, tactile feedback, and typing style when making your decision between these two switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a medium actuation force and a mix of chirpy and clacky sound elements, the Holly switch may be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound profile and a moderate 67g bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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