Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Lotus stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Dareu Holly is a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, known for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to those seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is a linear switch that offers a different typing feel. While the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Lotus falls under an undisclosed category. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may suit different preferences. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Lotus, some similarities can be observed. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic absorbing more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the top housing of the Holly is made from polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound similar to its bottom housing.
Despite the similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing, the different top housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Lotus lead to distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holly creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lotus's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the nylon top housing of the Lotus is more traditional and classic. Both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of construction, the bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom can greatly affect the overall typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Holly and Lotus switches demonstrates how different housing materials can create contrasting sound profiles, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Lotus linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. The bottom out force of the Holly is unknown, while the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it heavier than the actuation force of the Holly. This means that the Lotus switch requires less force to activate a keystroke, making it lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier when bottoming out compared to the Holly. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Lotus switch, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Holly switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Holly offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke experience compared to the Lotus. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lotus, while those who prefer a more solid keypress may lean towards the Holly. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal typing style and preference for keypress feel.
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 Lotus 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out with its unique chirpy and clacky elements, offering a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The chirpy sound adds a touch of uniqueness, while the clacky sound provides a sharp and snappy feel when pressed. On the other hand, there is no available information on the sound characteristics of the Outemu Lotus linear switch, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, details about the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly switch are not provided. Similarly, there is no information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch. Without this data, it's challenging to compare the tactile feedback and overall typing feel of these two switches accurately.
In conclusion, based on the given information, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound profile with chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a distinctive typing experience. While details about the sound and feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are not available for comparison, it is likely that the two switches will yield different results in terms of sound and feel due to their distinct design and characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should opt for the Holly if you prefer a medium 50g actuation force with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, you should go for the Lotus if you prefer a light 50g bottom out force and a linear switch without any specific sound or feel characteristics. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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