Dareu Holly vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, to the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, the key differences lie in their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Holly switch's unique chirpy and clacky sound signature appeals to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing feel, while the MX Silent Red provides a quieter experience with its muted and thocky sound profile. The Holly switch offers a medium 50g actuation force, catering to those who prefer a tactile feedback, while the MX Silent Red maintains a slightly heftier feel similar to the MX Red but operates silently. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and environmental needs. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Cherry MX Silent Red, the main difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. Despite this difference, both switches provide a unique sound experience based on the top housing material chosen.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Holly and MX Silent Red utilize nylon for this component. This choice results in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience on both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material produces a consistent typing sound and feel despite the differences in top housing materials.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housings of a switch. When comparing the Holly and MX Silent Red, the impact of the top housing material is felt more when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel. This division ensures a well-rounded typing experience, with each component contributing to the overall sound profile and typing feel of the switch. Whether using a polycarbonate top housing or a nylon top housing, both switches offer a distinct sound profile that enhances the typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Holly. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. In terms of weight, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be more appealing to users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Dareu Holly with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dareu Holly. The Holly falls within the traditional range of travel distances, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Holly providing a slightly deeper feel and the MX Silent Red offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a 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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 renowned for its distinctive sound profile, combining chirpy and clacky elements that create a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is characterized by its significantly quieter sound profile, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Holly switch offers a more lively and distinct sound, appealing to users looking for a keyboard with character, while the MX Silent Red provides a muted and thocky sound that minimizes noise without sacrificing the satisfying typing experience.
In terms of feel, there is no specific information available for the Dareu Holly switch, so it is best to try it out personally to determine the tactile feedback it offers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which can provide a unique typing sensation with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this tactile sensation, while others might prefer a smoother experience.
Overall, both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound with medium actuation force, the Holly switch could be the perfect choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the MX Silent Red switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, trying out different switches to find the one that aligns with your preferences is key in choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a unique and balanced typing experience with a chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Holly switch with its 50g actuation force may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a significantly quieter typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and a muted sound profile, the MX Silent Red switch would be more suitable, especially for noise-sensitive environments. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully when making your decision between these two switches.
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