Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Dustproof Black. The Dareu Holly is a tactile switch that stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that includes both chirpy and clacky elements, making it ideal for users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, providing a consistent and quiet typing experience. While the Holly appeals to those who enjoy a tactile typing feel, the Dustproof Black caters to users who prefer a linear switch for its simplicity and quiet operation. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The Dareu Holly and the Outemu Dustproof Black both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Both switches offer similar acoustic qualities when it comes to their top housing material, providing users with a consistent sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Dustproof Black both feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a consistent typing experience with a focus on creating a rich and satisfying sound profile.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Dustproof Black provide unique characteristics to each switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Despite these distinctions, both switches offer a balanced and fulfilling typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. The bottom out force of the Holly switch is unknown while the Dustproof Black switch has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Holly switch may be more suitable as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black switch is better for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Users can expect similar results in terms of feel and feedback when using either of these switches. Despite having the same travel distance, the Holly switch provides a tactile bump while the Dustproof Black switch offers a smoother linear feel. Overall, both switches are reliable options for typing or gaming, with the only significant difference being the type of feedback they provide.
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 Dustproof Black 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 balanced and distinctive typing experience that is sure to please users seeking a switch with character. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have any specific sound characteristics mentioned, so it may provide a more neutral or standard typing sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used, so results may vary.
As for feel, there is no specific information provided about the tactile feel of the Holly switch or the linear feel of the Dustproof Black switch. Tactile switches typically offer a noticeable bump upon actuation, providing feedback to the user, while linear switches have a smoother keystroke without any bump. Without additional details, it's difficult to compare the two switches in terms of feel.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a unique sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral typing sound or if tactile feel is not a priority, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch could provide a solid typing experience. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you, so it's recommended to try out different switches to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Dareu Holly tactile switch versus the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, the choice comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium actuation force of 50g and a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, then the Dareu Holly switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80g and a linear switch without a distinct sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Black may be more suitable. Ultimately, it is important to consider both sound and feel characteristics when choosing between these two switches to ensure a typing experience that aligns with your preferences.
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