Dareu Holly vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, and the HMX Lotus, a linear switch. The Dareu Holly switch is known for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, offering a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch features a medium weight of 50g bottom out and provides a super bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound. While the Holly switch may appeal to those looking for a mix of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, the Lotus switch may be preferred by users seeking a smooth and consistent keystroke 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the HMX Lotus, both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. However, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in top housing materials results in different sound profiles for typing on these keyboards.
When it comes to the aesthetics of the housing materials, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent quality that is especially useful for RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of translucency as polycarbonate, but it still provides a classic look that is durable and reliable. Both materials have their own distinct advantages in terms of appearance, with polycarbonate being more visually striking and nylon offering a more traditional and timeless design.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Holly and the HMX Lotus can come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings for a similar typing experience, the difference in top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Holly and nylon for the Lotus - results in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience that is sure to meet the needs of any user.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Holly has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lotus, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus due to its lower actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods. In contrast, the Holly may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a higher actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Lotus being lighter in terms of force and the Holly potentially offering a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of comparison, the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance than the Lotus. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Holly is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial and deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Lotus offers a shorter key press, making it ideal for gamers and those looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a longer, more deliberate key press with the Holly, or a shorter, quicker response with the Lotus.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. The Holly switch's chirpy and clacky features add character to the typing experience, while the Lotus switch's bright and resonant sound brings a sense of delight to each press.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the specific characteristics of the Holly and Lotus switches are not provided in the information provided. However, based on the actuation force of 50g for both switches, users can expect a similar level of tactile feedback and responsiveness from both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch. This medium actuation force can provide a good balance between typing effort and feedback, appealing to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer different sound profiles that cater to various preferences. The Holly switch excels in providing a distinctive and balanced sound with its chirpy and clacky elements, while the Lotus switch delivers a bright and bouncy typing experience. While the feel of the switches is not explicitly described, the medium 50g actuation force suggests that both switches will provide a similar level of tactile feedback and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and potentially feel, both of which can significantly impact the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you are looking for a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience, then the Holly switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke, then the Lotus switch from HMX would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. So, choose wisely based on what aspect is more important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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