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Dareu Holly vs. Bsun Olive

An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Holly and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, both offer their own unique advantages. The Dareu Holly switch is ideal for users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience, with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches are perfect for those looking for a resonant and deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback due to the unique design and long pole stem. While the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Olive is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. 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

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 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

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POM

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Dareu Holly and the Bsun Olive both offer unique characteristics in their housing materials. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Olive utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. The contrast between the two is evident in the type of sound they emit, with the Holly being more clear and resonant, and the Olive providing a more pleasing and unique sound experience. However, both switches excel in their own way, catering to different preferences in sound profile.

In terms of bottom housing, the Dareu Holly utilizes a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound, due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive also features a POM bottom housing that contributes to the unique sound profile of the switch, adding to the deeper and more muted tones. While both bottom housings aim to enhance the overall sound experience of the switches, they differ in the specific qualities they bring to the table, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to POM's pleasing and deep sound profile.

It is worth noting that the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall feel of the typing experience. While the Dareu Holly and the Bsun Olive differ in their top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material are distributed accordingly to provide a well-rounded typing experience. The impact of each housing material is felt differently when pressing down on a key or releasing it, showcasing how the top and bottom housings work together to create a harmonious sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them versatile options for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch have some differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Holly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Olive is 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. This means that the Olive switch is heavier both in actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Holly switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Bsun Olive switch. Both switches offer tactile feedback, but the difference in force requirements may influence the typing experience for the user.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Olive's 3.4 mm. The Holly falls more into the traditional range of travel distances, while the Olive is on the shallower end. Gamers may prefer the Olive for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Holly. Both switches offer a different feel when pressed, with the Holly providing a bit more depth compared to the Olive. In the end, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.

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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.

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 stands out for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch offers a resonant and deep sound, setting it apart with its all-POM housings. While the Holly switch leans towards a more playful and sharp sound profile, the Olive switch delivers a more solid and substantial auditory experience, making both options appealing to different preferences in sound. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard board can also impact the overall sound produced by these switches.

When it comes to feel, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is characterized by a pronounced tactile feedback, accentuated by its unique design and long pole stem. This results in a crisp and sharp bottom-out feel, providing users with a satisfying typing sensation that is both invigorating and snappy. On the other hand, the specific feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided in the available information. However, based on the characteristics of the Bsun Olive switch, it can be inferred that the Holly switch may offer a similar level of tactile feedback and responsiveness, resulting in an engaging typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Dareu Holly and Bsun Olive tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Holly switch provides a unique sound signature with its chirpy and clacky elements, while the Olive switch delivers a deep and resonant sound. In terms of feel, the Olive switch offers a pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp bottom-out experience. While specific details about the feel of the Holly switch are not provided, it is likely to offer a similarly satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a unique and balanced typing experience with a chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Holly switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, the Olive switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel that best align with your typing preferences and overall typing experience.

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