Dareu Holly vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Holly and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The Holly offers a tactile typing experience with medium 50g actuation force, providing a balanced and distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a linear typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, thanks to its light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination. While both switches cater to users seeking a unique typing experience, the Holly may appeal to those looking for a more neutral feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a silky typing experience with vibrant RGB lighting. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Holly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, the Dareu Holly and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Holly's nylon bottom housing focuses on creating a deep and full sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing prioritizes a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 showcase the impact of housing materials on the sound profile of mechanical switches. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. However, the Holly's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in each switch contributes to their unique sound characteristics and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Holly's bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Holly switch may require a slightly firmer press to register a keystroke compared to the Lightning Silver V3. On the other hand, the bottom out force indicates that the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to press all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Holly switch may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is 4 mm, which is longer than the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Holly offers a traditional travel distance, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may prefer the longer travel distance of the Holly. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, creating a sharp and crisp typing sound. Depending on personal preference, users may lean towards the chirpy and clacky sound of the Holly or the bright and percussive sound of the Lightning Silver V3.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch's characteristics are unknown, but the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience. A silky switch like the Lightning Silver V3 provides an exceptionally smooth feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This can enhance overall typing comfort and fluidity, making it a desirable option for users seeking a seamless typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Holly provides a distinctive sound profile with chirpy and clacky elements, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a smoother typing experience with its high-pitched and clacky sound. Depending on individual taste in sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to customize their typing experience. Ultimately, exploring and experimenting with different switches will help users find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium actuation force of 50g and a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch would be a great choice for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bottom out force of 60g, along with a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch would be ideal for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force to ensure the best typing experience tailored to your needs.
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