Dareu Holly vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Holly and KTT Orange offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force, creating a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch features a bouncy feel with its 22mm long spring, along with a polished design for smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. While the Holly switch is known for its chirpy and clacky feel, the Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the KTT Orange, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Holly features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The use of different housing materials in the Dareu Holly and KTT Orange results in distinct typing experiences. The top housing, made of polycarbonate in both keyboards, affects the sound when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. The stiffness of polycarbonate delivers a more defined sound profile, while the translucency allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly produces a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange maintains a sharper and crisper sound.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and KTT Orange keyboards demonstrate how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and typing experience. While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in the Holly delivers a fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding the contribution of each housing material to the sound profile can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for typing feel and sound aesthetics. Ultimately, both keyboards offer unique qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch to the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Holly requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Holly is unknown, while the Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Orange switch will provide a more consistent typing experience in terms of force required throughout the keystroke process, whereas the Holly may have a more varied feel due to the unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Holly is heavier in terms of actuation force, while the Orange is lighter in terms of bottom out force. However, both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out forces that can cater to different preferences, with the Holly providing a slightly firmer typing feel and the Orange offering a smoother and lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired keypress feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Holly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Holly offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Orange, meaning you may feel a bit more depth when typing on the Holly switch. However, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Orange may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the feeling of a deeper press when typing, the Holly could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky elements, providing a unique and balanced typing experience with a distinctive sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. Depending on personal preference, the Holly switch may be preferred by those looking for a more dynamic typing sound, while the Orange switch could be favored by those who enjoy a smoother and quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Holly switch lacks specific descriptors for its tactile feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is highlighted for its bouncy and frictionless qualities. This means that the Orange switch offers a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel, along with a smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance. While the specific feel of the Holly switch is unspecified, those who enjoy a bouncy and frictionless typing experience may gravitate towards the KTT Orange switch.
Overall, both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If a user is looking for a more distinctive sound with a balanced typing experience, the Holly switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, if a smoother and quieter typing experience with a bouncy and frictionless feel is desired, the Orange switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a unique typing experience with a balance of chirpy and clacky sound elements, along with a moderate actuation force, the Holly switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy feel with frictionless key travel, and enjoy a low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be more distinctive or smooth.
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