Dareu Holly vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and the Gateron Oil King are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Holly, a tactile switch, stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and memorable typing sensation. On the other hand, the Oil King, a linear switch, is favored for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate-like sound profile, providing a luxurious and polished typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, diving deeper into their characteristics can help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Oil King utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer material that absorbs more sound. While the Holly's bottom housing also uses nylon, providing a similar deep and full sound profile, the Oil King introduces its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, creating a unique thin and higher-pitched clacky sound.
The use of different housing materials in the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Oil King allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the overall switch experience. Pressing down on the switches will highlight the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With nylon in both the Holly's bottom housing and Oil King's top housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing leads to a clear and resonant sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers translucency that is beneficial for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King's nylon top housing may not have the same transparency but focuses on delivering a deep and full sound experience. Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, both the Holly and the Oil King aim to provide satisfying typing experiences with their unique sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisp sound or a deeper and fuller sound, these switches offer distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which requires 55 grams of force. Both switches do not have a specified bottom out force, but the Oil King is estimated to bottom out at 65 grams, making it heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Holly switch may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without as much fatigue. However, some users may appreciate the stronger push feel of the Oil King switch, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel when using either of these switches. The short travel distance of 4 mm on both switches allows for quick and responsive typing, perfect for users who prefer a more tactile feel or a smoother linear experience. Overall, the travel distance of both switches contributes to an efficient typing experience, whether you're a fan of the tactile feedback of the Holly or the smoothness of the Oil King.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch delivers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. While the Holly offers a chirpy and clacky sound, the Oil King provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and desired sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch has no specific descriptors mentioned. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation. With lubricant applied in the switch at the factory, the Oil King provides a silky typing experience, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. In this aspect, the Oil King stands out for its smooth and refined key feel compared to the unspecified feel of the Holly.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch selection. Due to the differences in sound and feel, you can expect to get varied results when using the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch with its medium actuation force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth and rich sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King linear switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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