Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Outemu Lime switches stand out as tactile options for users seeking a different typing experience. The Dareu Holly switch is distinguished by its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature blending chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to those in search of a balanced and distinctive typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches offer a lightweight and silenced typing experience with a touch of tactility, catering to users who prefer a feathery light keypress. While the Holly switch provides a chirpy and clacky typing experience, the Lime switch offers a smoother and more subtle tactile feedback. Both switches cater to tactile keyboard enthusiasts; 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and Outemu Lime switches both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Holly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Lime has a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is described as providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This results in a distinct difference in sound profiles between the two switches, with the Holly offering a crisper sound and the Lime offering a more rounded sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Holly and Lime switches utilize nylon as the material. This results in a similar sound profile between the two switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the top housing may play a larger role in the overall sound profile, the bottom housing is equally important in providing a consistent typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Dareu Holly results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Outemu Lime's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a commonality in using nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Lime tactile switch, which only requires 35 grams. This means that the Holly switch will require more force to register a keypress. However, the bottom out force for the Holly switch is unknown, while the Lime switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the actuation force of the Holly switch. This indicates that the Lime switch will have a more consistent force required throughout the keypress compared to the Holly switch. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Lime switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Holly switch for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lime. The traditional travel distance is around 4 mm, so the Holly falls into that category, offering a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime with its 3.3 mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter distance, which could be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches provide a tactile feel, but the Holly might feel a bit more substantial due to its longer travel distance, while the Lime could offer a quicker, snappier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would 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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinctive typing experience that stands out from the rest. The chirpy sound adds a touch of personality, while the clacky sound provides a sharp and snappy feel to each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch produces a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter compared to standard mechanical keyboard switches. This makes the Lime switches ideal for users who prefer a more subtle typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will be influenced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Holly switch does not have specific descriptors provided, suggesting that it offers a more standard typing experience without any unique feel characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities indicate that the Lime switches offer a gentle and light typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. The feathery feel of the Lime switches reduces finger fatigue and provides a smooth and refined typing experience, making them suitable for various typing tasks.
Considering the subjective qualities of both switches, users looking for a keyboard switch with a unique sound signature and a balanced typing experience may prefer the Dareu Holly switch. On the other hand, those seeking a lightweight and subtle typing experience with muted sound may find the Outemu Lime switch more appealing. While the Holly switch offers a more distinct sound profile, the Lime switch prioritizes a gentle and smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a unique sound signature with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Lime switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound characteristics like chirpy and clacky or a lightweight and silent typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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