Dareu Holly vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch are both popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a tactile typing experience. The Dareu Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force, offering a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. While the Dareu Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Durock Medium Tactile falls under 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch caters to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound profiles. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and Durock Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the differences may lie in the design and overall build of the housing, which could impact the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Holly and Medium Tactile utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. While both switches may share this feature, the overall design and construction of the housing can still influence the typing feel and sound output.
If there are differences in the top and bottom housings of a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This division of qualities between the two housing materials can create a unique typing experience for each switch, even if they share similar housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly switch is not provided. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Holly switch may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Holly being lighter and the Durock being heavier in terms of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm. Both switches offer a tactile feel with the same travel distance, providing a similar typing experience. As such, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance when using either the Holly or the Medium Tactile switches. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance, making them suitable choices for those looking for a tactile 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its distinctive combination of chirpy and clacky elements, offering users a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. While the Holly switch provides a more playful and lively sound profile, the Medium Tactile switch offers a smoother and more rounded auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound, as well as factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Holly tactile switch has not been explicitly described in terms of tactile feel. However, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is characterized by its accented, stepped, mild, and polished qualities. This means that the Medium Tactile switch provides a tactile experience that is prominent yet not overwhelming, with a smooth and refined key travel. In comparison, the feel of the Holly switch remains unknown, leaving potential users with less information to make a decision based on tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Holly switch excels in providing a unique chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced tactility with a smooth and refined feel. Considering all the available information, users can expect a more lively and playful typing experience with the Holly switch, while the Medium Tactile switch provides a more polished and controlled tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, the Dareu Holly switch with its 50g actuation force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactile feel with a jelly-like sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch with its 65g bottom out force might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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