Dareu Holly vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Cherry Nixie stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The Dareu Holly switch offers a tactile typing experience with its medium 50g actuation force, producing a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. This switch caters to users looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch provides a linear typing experience with substantial heft and a textured feel. Known for their traditional yet innovative design, these switches are categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched, appealing to users seeking a smooth and consistent typing experience. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Cherry Nixie, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This means that users of both switches can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the Holly uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Nixie's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing material may result in a slightly different sound experience when pressing down on keys for each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent quality that makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon top housing lacks this translucency but still provides a classic switch housing material known for its deep sound profile. This difference in material choice for the top housing reflects a trade-off between aesthetic appeal and sound quality. The two switches may cater to different preferences in this aspect, with the Holly being more visually striking with RGB lighting and the Nixie focusing more on the tactile typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Dareu Holly and the Cherry Nixie plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, they differ in their top housing materials. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Nixie's nylon top housing, which produces a more rounded and dull sound. This distinction in top housing material highlights how minor variations in components can lead to different typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, which has a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Holly's force is unknown, while the Nixie has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. With the Holly, users will experience a lighter touch when triggering keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience for extended periods. In contrast, the Nixie provides a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Holly offering a lighter touch and the Nixie providing a more hefty typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel before the switch actuates. This similarity in travel distance ensures that you will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Having a travel distance of 4 mm also means that both switches provide a satisfying amount of feedback and feel comfortable to type on. Overall, whether you opt for the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you can expect a similar typing experience 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 Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 experience with its chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing sound. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, delivering a deep and satisfying tone. Depending on personal preference, users looking for a more vibrant and sharp sound may lean towards the Holly switch, while those seeking a richer and bass-heavy tone may prefer the Nixie switch.
When it comes to feel, unfortunately, there is no specific information available for the Dareu Holly tactile switch. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a textured feel, which can provide a unique tactile sensation with noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of resistance and feedback while typing.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Holly switch provides a balanced and distinctive sound profile with chirpy and clacky elements, while the Nixie switch delivers a deeper and more satisfying thocky tone. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Additionally, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and chosen keycaps. Ultimately, selecting the right switch is a personal decision based on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a balanced and distinctive typing sound with elements of chirpy and clacky notes, the Holly switch with its medium 50g actuation force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a substantial and textured typing experience with a heavier bottom-out force of 80g, the Nixie switch may be more suitable. Your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound profile or tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switches. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences for an enhanced typing experience.
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