Dareu Holly vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Gazzew LT stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, offers a medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, perfect for users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, a linear switch, boasts a captivating lilac hue and provides an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with each keystroke. The LTs also offer a seamless glide during typing sessions. While the Holly switch is categorized as chirpy, clacky, neutral, the LT switch falls under bassy, thocky, low-pitched. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences and typing style; however, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and Gazzew LT both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound. Both materials have their advantages - polycarbonate offers a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, while the Gazzew blend provides a softer sound profile. When it comes to aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the Gazzew blend has a unique and distinct look.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Holly utilizes nylon which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both materials offer a similar sound profile, their unique properties give each switch a distinct feel and sound when typing.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Dareu Holly and Gazzew LT impacts the overall typing experience in various ways. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a combination of sharpness and depth in the sound profile. When pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, providing a well-rounded typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gazzew LT linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. Despite this, the LT switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Holly switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the LT switch. In terms of actuation force, the Holly provides a lighter touch, while the LT offers a heavier bottom out force, providing options for users based on their preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is clear that the Holly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.2 mm travel distance of the LT. The Holly offers a more traditional travel distance, which some may prefer for a more satisfying keypress experience. On the other hand, the LT's shorter travel distance may be preferred by those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Holly providing a deeper feel while the LT offers a more responsive touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
The Dareu Holly tactile switch is acclaimed for its unique sound signature, combining chirpy and clacky elements to provide a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, thanks to its enticing lilac hue. The Holly switch presents a chirpy and clacky sound profile, while the LT switch produces a bassy and thocky sound when pressed, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience. When it comes to sound, users looking for a more lively and distinctive typing experience may prefer the Holly, while those seeking a deep and resonant sound may lean towards the LT.
Transitioning to the tactile and linear aspect, the Holly switch offers a moderate 50g actuation force, providing a tactile bump upon actuation. However, specifics on the feel of the Holly and LT switches are not provided in the information given. If we consider typical characteristics of tactile and linear switches, the Holly switch is likely to offer a tactile bump with a smooth keystroke, while the LT switch would provide a linear actuation without a tactile bump. Users who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback may opt for the Holly switch, while those who prefer a consistent and smooth keystroke may be inclined towards the LT switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and potentially different tactile feelings. The Holly switch caters to users looking for a unique and balanced sound experience with a tactile bump upon actuation, while the LT switch provides a deep and resonant auditory sensation with a linear keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both switches offer their own set of advantages for different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, you should consider the sound profile and feel that best suits your preferences. If you are looking for a unique chirpy and clacky typing experience with a medium 50g actuation force, the Holly switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are intrigued by a deep and resonant thockiness with a medium-heavy 65g bottom out force, the LT switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel that will enhance your typing experience and meet your specific needs and preferences.
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