Dareu Holly vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and the KTT Matcha both offer unique features and qualities for users to consider. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, as well as a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. While the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Matcha falls under 'Stepped', 'Snappy', 'Accented', 'Clacky', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle' categories. Both switches offer different typing experiences, appealing to a variety of users. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the KTT Matcha, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Holly features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softness that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Matcha uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper sound characteristics associated with this material.
The difference in bottom housings between the Holly and Matcha showcases how the type of material can impact the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While the Holly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharper and crisper characteristics associated with this material. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and KTT Matcha keyboards offer users a variety of sound profiles based on their housing materials. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the Holly's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing. The split between top and bottom housing materials provides a nuanced typing experience, with each component contributing to different aspects of the sound and feel when typing on these keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between these keyboards may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Holly switch requires more force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holly switch has an unknown amount, while the Matcha switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha switch would be a better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Holly switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance traveled as they move from the top to the bottom. This means that in terms of travel distance, both the Holly and Matcha switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience for users. Whether you choose the Dareu Holly or the KTT Matcha, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of travel distance.
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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 switch stands out for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, offering a distinctive typing experience. The chirpy sound adds a touch of whimsy, while the clacky sound provides a satisfying sharpness with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is characterized by a clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem design. This results in a quieter typing experience with a crisp and bright clacky sound. Overall, if you enjoy a more playful and distinct sound profile, the Holly switch may be the choice for you, whereas the Matcha switch offers a cleaner and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly switch's tactile qualities are not explicitly described, leaving some room for interpretation. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. The Matcha switch is also described as having a stepped feel, with two stages of tactility that offer a balance between responsiveness and smoothness. Additionally, its accented tactility provides a medium amount of feedback without being overwhelming. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile feel and responsive feedback, the KTT Matcha switch may be the better option for you.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound profile with chirpy and clacky elements, catering to those who seek a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch provides a cleaner bottom-out sound and a comfortable, snappy tactility, making it a solid choice for users looking for a balance of responsiveness and smooth typing. While the switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Holly or Matcha switch, you can expect a high-quality tactile typing experience that suits your individual typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the KTT Matcha tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for sound and feel. The Holly switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, making it stand out for users seeking a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is known for its clean bottom-out sound and snappy tactility, providing a comfortable typing feel. If you prioritize a balance between sound and feel with a medium actuation force, the Holly switch may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a light bottom-out force and a tactile switch with a clean sound and snappy feel, the Matcha switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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