Dareu Holly vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Comparing the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Master, a linear switch, provides a unique insight into the varying experiences these mechanical keyboard switches offer. The Holly, with its medium 50g actuation force, stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, catering to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Master, an all-POM linear switch, offers a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. While the Holly provides a tactile typing experience, the Master offers a seamless linear feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Master differ in terms of the top and bottom housing materials used. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Master has a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches have a similar POM material, which results in a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This means that while the top housing materials may differ, the bottom housing material provides a consistent sound experience for both switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent design that is ideal for use with RGB lighting, creating a visually appealing effect when the lighting is activated. On the other hand, the Master's POM top housing may not have the same translucent quality, but still offers a unique and pleasing appearance. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the POM bottom housing of the Master contributes to the overall deep and muted sound quality of the switch.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Holly and Dareu Master switches may differ, they ultimately contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Holly creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Master offers a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Holly creates a fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Master complements the deeper sound quality of the switch. Overall, the combination of these housing materials results in unique sound profiles for each switch, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Holly tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Master linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Holly switch requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, so it is difficult to determine which one requires a heavier force to fully press down. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Master switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier actuation force of the Holly switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Master switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Holly switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the Holly switch falls into the category of a more traditional distance, offering a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Master switch leans towards a shorter distance, which is preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance – whether you prefer a shorter and quicker press with the Master switch, or a slightly deeper press with the Holly switch.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The chirpy characteristic adds a bit of flair to the sound profile, while the clacky aspect delivers a sharp and percussive sound when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its classic clacky sound signature, offering users a crisp and bright typing sound. Both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, with the Holly offering a more nuanced sound profile compared to the straightforward clackiness of the Master.
Moving on to feel, while there is no specific information available for the Dareu Holly tactile switch, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that the Master switch provides a gentle and approachable feel, suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the Master switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. Without specific details on the feel of the Holly switch, it can be inferred that users may experience a comfortable and smooth typing sensation similar to that of the Master switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its unique sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users looking for a distinctive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Dareu Master linear switch offers a classic clacky sound profile and exceptional smoothness in operation, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. Both switches may offer similar results in terms of feel, with the Master's mild and polished characteristics suggesting a comfortable typing experience that may align with the qualities of the Holly switch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a balanced and distinctive sound with a medium 50g actuation force, the Dareu Holly switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master switch, with its medium weight and POM construction, could be more suited to your typing style. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to ensure you select the one that aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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