Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Milk Tea 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 Milk Tea. The Dareu Holly switch stands out for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch doesn't have a specific standout feature but is known for its tactile feedback. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Holly switch is more versatile in its sound profile. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
The housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Milk Tea switches differ in their top housing material. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing is a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing. Both materials have their unique characteristics, with polycarbonate being more likely to be used for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while Ly housing offers a different sound experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Milk Tea switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when typing. Both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon in their bottom housing, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the Dareu Holly and Outemu Milk Tea switches results in a split of qualities that each material brings. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The contrast between the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Holly and the bright sound signature of the Ly top housing in the Milk Tea provides users with options for sound preferences. Similarly, the similarities in their nylon bottom housing offer a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on both switches.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to compare in that aspect. In terms of weight, the Milk Tea switch is lighter with its lower actuation force, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Holly switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar performance with slight differences in actuation force, allowing users to achieve comparable results depending on their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it can be noted that both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience, as the 4 mm travel distance allows for a comfortable and responsive feel when pressing down on the keys. With similar travel distances, users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation points from both switches, resulting in a comparable typing experience. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Milk Tea switches.
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 Milk Tea 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 switch is unique in offering a mix of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinctive typing experience with a medium 50g actuation force. The chirpy sound adds a bit of character to the typing experience, while the clacky sound provides a sharp and snappy feedback. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, details on the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly and Outemu Milk Tea switches are not provided, making it challenging to assess and compare their typing experience based on this factor. Tactile switches are preferred by many users for the satisfying feedback they provide during typing, so it would be beneficial to try out both switches to determine which one offers a better tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly switch stands out for its unique sound signature with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, making it a great choice for users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the information available for the Outemu Milk Tea switch is limited, so it is recommended to try out both switches to see which one suits your preferences better. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it really comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch would be your best bet. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with different characteristics that are not specified, then the Milk Tea switch may be worth considering. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your typing style and the overall typing experience you are seeking. Regardless of your decision, both switches offer their own distinct qualities that can enhance your keyboarding experience.
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