Dareu Holly vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch. The Dareu Holly switch is renowned for its medium 50g actuation force, providing a unique sound signature that blends chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch, perfected by Cherry with their Hyperglide tooling, offers a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound profile when typing. The Holly switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Neutral', while the MX Black switch falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Stiff'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing options for 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and the Cherry MX Black boast housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the MX Black's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Holly provides a more resonant and clear sound profile, ideal for those looking for a brighter sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Black's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound that some may find to be more soothing.
While both the Holly and the MX Black feature nylon bottom housings, they differ in terms of sound profile. The Holly's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its nylon top housing, while the MX Black's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile. This showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a more muffled sound when bottoming out, providing a unique typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and the Cherry MX Black both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The difference in materials between the two switches, with the Holly featuring polycarbonate and the MX Black featuring nylon, creates distinct typing experiences for users. While the Holly's housing materials result in a sharper and clearer sound profile, the MX Black's housing materials contribute to a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a brighter, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer different qualities that cater to various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. This difference means that the Holly may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Black is heavier at 80 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the MX Black may be the preferred choice. The actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users, allowing them to choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a consistent level of tactile feedback and key travel, making them suitable choices for individuals seeking a specific 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
The Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The sound produced by the Holly switch is characterized by a chirpy nature, adding a little squeak to the typing experience, along with a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Holly offering a more unique and dynamic auditory experience while the MX Black provides a classic and deep sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the specific qualities of the Dareu Holly tactile switch are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as having a textured feel, which may result in noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel can add a subtle tactile feedback to the typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch is noted for being stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This stiffness may appeal to users who prefer a more deliberate and intentional keystroke.
Overall, both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Holly switch provides a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile, catering to users seeking a balanced and dynamic typing experience, the MX Black switch offers a classic deep sound profile with a textured and stiff feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Additionally, factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction will also play a role in the overall typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction regardless of the chosen switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a unique and balanced typing experience with a medium actuation force and distinctive sound signature, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic smoothness with a heavier actuation force and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switch with its Hyperglide tooling could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type.
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