Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Outemu Blue Jade offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly's tactile switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. It is an ideal choice for users who appreciate a blend of tactile feedback and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional typing experience without the tactile bump. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Blue Jade switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and overall feel. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature, while the Blue Jade's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound with its softer material that absorbs more sound. These differences result in a more resonant and clear sound from the Holly and a duller, rounder sound from the Blue Jade. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate of the Holly allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housings of both switches, the nylon material used in both the Holly and Blue Jade creates a similar deep and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in material for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. However, the top housing material still plays a significant role in the overall sound profile, with the Holly's polycarbonate providing a sharper sound upon key release compared to the Blue Jade's nylon material.
In summary, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Holly and Outemu Blue Jade switches differ, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Holly creates a sharper and clearer sound, particularly noticeable upon key release, while the softer nylon of the Blue Jade delivers a deeper and fuller sound throughout typing. With the bottom housing materials being consistent between the two switches, users can expect a similar sound experience in terms of depth and resonance, with the top housing material uniquely contributing to the overall sound profile.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holly switch has an unknown amount, while the Blue Jade switch requires 65 grams to fully press down, giving it a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Holly switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue setting in. On the other hand, the Blue Jade switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In both cases, the actuation force remains the same, so users can expect similar results in terms of initiating keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a similar tactile feedback and click sound, making them ideal choices for users who prefer a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of these two switches is equal, resulting in similar results for users in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
The Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its unique sound profile, combining chirpy and clacky elements to create a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The chirpy sound adds a touch of whimsy, while the clacky sound provides a sharp and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, but clicky switches are generally known for their loud and tactile feedback. When it comes to sound, the Holly offers a more nuanced and complex auditory experience compared to the Blue Jade.
When it comes to feel, unfortunately, specific descriptors for the Dareu Holly and Outemu Blue Jade switches are not available. However, tactile switches like the Holly typically provide a tactile bump that can be felt when pressing the key, adding a level of feedback and responsiveness to typing. Clicky switches like the Blue Jade, on the other hand, offer a tactile bump as well as an audible click, making them satisfying for users who enjoy both tactile and auditory feedback while typing.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offer different sound profiles and potentially different tactile feedback experiences. Users looking for a unique and balanced sound signature may prefer the Holly, while those seeking a more traditional and satisfying clicky typing experience may lean towards the Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, so either choice is likely to result in a satisfying typing experience tailored to the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should opt for the Holly if you are looking for a medium 50g actuation force with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. This switch caters to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a clicky sound profile, the Blue Jade switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing comfort and enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
