Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular tactile options to consider are the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Maple Leaf. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that blends chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch lacks a standout feature but still offers a tactile typing experience. While the Holly switch may appeal to users seeking a more personalized typing experience with its distinct sound profile, the Maple Leaf switch could be a reliable choice for those looking for a straightforward tactile switch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
The Dareu Holly and the Outemu Maple Leaf both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Holly featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Maple Leaf uses nylon for both top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holly creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clearer and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Holly allows for clearer translucency, making it perfect for users who want to showcase RGB lighting. The Maple Leaf, with its full nylon housing, may not offer the same level of transparency but provides a classic and sturdy feel. When it comes to typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom housings for both switches. The bottom housing's impact is more evident in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when a key is released.
Overall, while the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Maple Leaf may differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Holly creates a sharper sound, while the softer nylon housing in the Maple Leaf produces a deeper sound. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality, catering to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the Holly requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams. However, the Maple Leaf has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Holly's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Holly may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial typing feel with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with some favoring lighter switches for longer typing sessions and others preferring a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Holly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf, making it better suited for those who prefer a more pronounced key press with a bit more depth. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches provide a similar experience in terms of tactile feedback, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a longer, more deliberate key press or a shorter, snappier response.
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 Maple Leaf 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 stands out for its unique sound profile, offering a combination of chirpy and clacky elements that create a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have any specific information available about its sound or feel qualities. If the feel of the switches is similar or not specified, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, individuals should consider their preference for sound and potentially explore further user reviews or try out samples to determine which switch aligns best with their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch would be a great choice for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy 65g actuation force and are looking for a switch with a different sound and feel profile, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.