Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Crystal Brown both offer tactile feedback, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. The Dareu Holly, with its medium 50g actuation force, stands out for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is also a tactile switch but lacks any standout features in terms of sound or feel. The Holly is categorized as chirpy, clacky, neutral, while the Crystal Brown falls into no specific category. If you're looking for a switch with a distinct sound profile, the Holly may be the way to go. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 Crystal Brown use polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches emphasizes clarity and resonance in the sound produced, making them ideal choices for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Holly and the Crystal Brown utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a typing experience that is both satisfying in sound and feel, providing a tactile response that is favored by many enthusiasts.
While both switches share similar qualities in their top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each housing material is felt differently during typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a dynamic typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon to create a well-rounded and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch with 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown while the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier in comparison. When it comes to weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Holly for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Crystal Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for consistent typing experiences regardless of which switch is being used. So, whether you choose the Dareu Holly or the Outemu Crystal Brown, you can expect to get similar results in terms of 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 Crystal 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
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound profile with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound or feel qualities. Without direct comparison, it is difficult to determine how the two switches stack up against each other in terms of feel. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it is important to consider your personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as other factors such as board and keycap choices, to ensure you get the best typing experience for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should consider your preferences in typing experience. If you are looking for a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements with a 50g actuation force, the Holly switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light 55g bottom out force without any specific sound characteristics mentioned, the Crystal Brown switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for feel and sound during typing sessions.
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