Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Cream Blue offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, is renowned for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch with no specific standout features. While the Holly is ideal for users seeking a blend of tactile feedback and audible clickiness, the Cream Blue is a solid choice for those who prioritize a traditional clicky typing feel. 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Cream Blue switches feature top housings made of different materials that have a significant impact on sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holly creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature, while the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting, whereas the Cream Blue's nylon top housing offers a more traditional typing experience with a rounder and duller sound.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile through the absorption of sound. This creates a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch being used, as the qualities brought by the nylon material remain constant. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users of both the Holly and Cream Blue switches.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Cream Blue switches offer unique typing experiences for users. The choice between a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, crisper sound profile or a nylon top housing for a deeper, fuller sound is a matter of personal preference. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound absorption and comfort. Whether users prefer a more modern and clear sound profile with the Holly or a classic and fuller sound with the Cream Blue, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we see that both have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Holly switch has no bottom out force information available, while the Cream Blue switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that while both switches require the same initial force to trigger a keystroke, the Cream Blue switch will require a heavier force to fully press the key down compared to the Holly switch. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Holly switch may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch would be a better fit for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider based on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these switches, it is important to note that both provide a consistent feel and feedback to the user due to their identical travel distances. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Cream Blue switches contributes to a comfortable typing experience for users looking for a switch with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Cream Blue 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 switch stands out for its unique sound signature, combining chirpy and clacky elements to provide a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The chirpy sound adds a bit of a squeak, while the clacky sound is sharp and snappy, creating a crisp and bright overall sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch's sound qualities are unknown, so we cannot directly compare it in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, unfortunately, we do not have specific information on the tactile feel of either the Holly or the Cream Blue switch. However, based on the sound descriptions provided, it can be inferred that the Holly switch may offer a tactile typing experience that complements its unique sound profile. For the Cream Blue switch, the lack of information makes it difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of feel.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a distinctive sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users seeking a balanced typing experience. While the sound profiles of the Cream Blue switch are unknown, it is important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and keyboard setup when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, but the specific characteristics of each switch should be considered to determine which one best suits individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for sound and actuation force. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a balanced sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch with its medium 50g actuation force would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Cream Blue switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and actuation force.
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