Dareu Holly vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Durock Mamba stand out as popular choices in the market. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, boasts a medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, a linear switch, offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, making it a delight to type on. While the Holly is known for being 'Chirpy' and 'Clacky', the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Dareu Holly may be the switch for you. However, if you enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience with a hint of richness, the Durock Mamba could be the ideal choice. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Durock Mamba both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter sound that is not overly sharp. While both materials produce pleasant sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Holly is better suited for those who enjoy a sharper sound, while the Mamba's blend is more balanced and suitable for users looking for a slightly brighter tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Holly's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving typists a more rounded and duller typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing deep sound that is relatively more muted. Both materials offer their own advantages, with the nylon bottom housing of the Holly offering a deeper tone, while the POM bottom housing of the Mamba provides a more muted sound. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the fuller sound of the Holly or the more unique sound of the Mamba for their typing needs.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Holly and the Mamba, it is clear that the different housing materials have a significant impact on the overall sound profile of each switch. The properties of the top housing are felt more when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. While the Holly's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a sharp and resonant sound, the Mamba's blend top housing and POM bottom housing provide a brighter and more muted sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Holly is lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams, while the Mamba is heavier with an actuation force that is unknown. On the other hand, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium, whereas the bottom out force of the Holly is unavailable. The actuation force of a switch determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the amount of force required to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Holly, which allows for longer typing periods, while those who prefer a stronger push may choose the Mamba for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Holly has a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Mamba's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing or gaming style. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, but will ultimately provide similar results depending on the user's preferences.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinct typing experience. The Mamba linear switch, on the other hand, provides a rich and creamy auditory experience, giving users a smooth and satisfying sound profile. Both switches fall under the neutral sound category, making them versatile choices for various typing preferences. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Holly switch's tactile qualities are not specified in the provided information. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This suggests that the Mamba switch provides a gentle and refined feel, ensuring a smooth key travel with reduced friction. The lack of information on the Holly's tactile properties makes it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and Durock Mamba switches offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Holly switch brings a unique chirpy and clacky sound to the table, the Mamba switch provides a smooth and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Mamba switch's mild and polished feel caters to users looking for a gentle and refined typing sensation. Both switches fall under the neutral sound category, giving users a versatile option for their typing needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches promise a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a balanced sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba switch could be more suitable. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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