Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Brown stand out as viable options. The Dareu Holly switch is known for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is recognized for its tactile feedback and smooth key presses. While the Holly offers a more pronounced sound profile, the Brown focuses on a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Holly features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and sound absorption properties. In contrast, the Brown also has a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile as the Holly.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Brown switches brings about a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softness and sound absorption qualities create a duller and rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a similar typing experience between the two switches. However, the impact of the bottom housing material is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound upon key release.
In summary, both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Brown switches have polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile. While the top housing affects the sound upon key release, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. This combination of materials in each switch provides a balanced typing experience with variations in sound characteristics based on the housing material used. Ultimately, whether using the Holly or the Brown, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams, making the Holly slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Brown requires a heavier 65 grams force to completely press down, while the Holly's bottom out force remains unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Holly may be more suitable, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, ideal for individuals seeking a more tactile and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, providing a consistent typing experience for users. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel 4 mm from top to bottom. By having equal travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing feedback. This makes it easier for users to switch between keyboards with these switches without experiencing significant differences in travel distance. Additionally, the standard 4 mm travel distance for both switches ensures a comfortable and familiar typing experience for users.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out with its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience that is both balanced and engaging. The chirpy nature of the switch adds a playful squeak, while the clacky sound offers a sharp and snappy feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, specific information about the tactile feel of the Holly and Brown switches is unavailable. It is important to note that tactile switches typically offer a bump in the keypress to provide feedback to the user, enhancing the typing experience. Without detailed descriptions, it can be assumed that both the Holly and Brown switches offer a satisfying tactile feel that enhances typing accuracy and comfort.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound profile with its chirpy and clacky characteristics, providing users with a distinctive typing experience. While information regarding the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound and feel is unknown, it can be assumed that both switches offer reliable tactile feedback and actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether opting for the Holly or Brown switch, users can expect a quality tactile typing experience that suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should opt for the Holly if you are looking for a unique typing experience with a medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. This switch is ideal for those who value a balanced and distinctive typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy 65g bottom out force and are looking for a more standard typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and typing feel.
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