Dareu Holly vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Holly and KTT Mint offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, delivers a distinctive typing experience with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the KTT Mint, a linear switch, provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. The Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', while the Mint falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making it important to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision. 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
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the KTT Mint both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience. The similarity in top housing material suggests that users can expect a comparable sound profile from both the Dareu Holly and the KTT Mint.
On the other hand, the Holly features a nylon bottom housing, while the Mint also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and produces a rounder acoustic experience. This material choice for the bottom housing highlights the impact it has on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Holly and the Mint suggests that users can anticipate a similar tactile experience in terms of sound and feel when using these switches.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on a switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights how thoughtful material selection can contribute to the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch like the Dareu Holly or the KTT Mint.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Mint linear switch with a force of 45 grams. This means that the Holly switch requires a bit more force to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Holly switch is not specified, while the Mint switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. This indicates that the Mint switch will provide a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressed down compared to the Holly switch. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mint switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Holly switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent feedback and feel across both switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a specific travel distance in their keyboard switches. While other characteristics of these switches may differ, such as actuation force or sound profile, their travel distance remains consistent between the two, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, with a poppy thockiness that creates a light and fleeting sound profile. While the Holly switch leans towards a sharper and more percussive sound, the Mint switch offers a mellower and bass-heavy tone, providing different auditory experiences for users. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Holly switch does not have specific descriptors provided, making it difficult to compare directly to the KTT Mint switch. However, the Mint switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a more approachable and middle-ground feel. Additionally, the Mint switch is labeled as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek key travel experience. This contrasts with the unknown feel of the Holly switch, suggesting that the Mint may offer a more polished and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and KTT Mint linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sounds, while the Mint switch offers a smooth and poppy thockiness. When it comes to feel, the Mint switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. Whether opting for the Holly or Mint switch, users can expect distinct and enjoyable typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Dareu Holly tactile switch with its medium 50g actuation force might be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing feel with a light and poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint linear switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams could be more suitable. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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