Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Outemu Purple both stand out for their tactile feel. The Dareu Holly switch is popular for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that blends chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a specific standout feature but still offers a tactile typing experience. While the Holly switch is categorized as chirpy, clacky, neutral, the Purple switch does not fall under any specific category. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique sound profile and medium actuation force, the Holly switch 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
50g
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
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 housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Purple share similarities in terms of using polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the overall design. However, the differences arise when looking at the bottom housing materials. The Holly utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Purple also uses nylon for its bottom housing, showcasing similar qualities in terms of sound profile and feel.
Despite the similarities in top housing material, the differences in bottom housing bring unique qualities to each switch. The split in housing materials distributes the characteristics between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound profile and feel differently when pressing down on a key or releasing it. The bottom housing's softer nylon material in both the Holly and Purple switches influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the impact of the top housing material, such as polycarbonate, will be more pronounced when letting go of a key, further enhancing the sharp and resonant sound profile of the switches.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Purple share similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing material, the differences in the bottom housing material, namely nylon, offer unique acoustic qualities to each switch. The distribution of these housing materials impacts the typing experience by influencing the sound profile and feel of the switches in different ways. Whether preferring a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller typing experience, the choice between the Holly and Purple switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke on both switches is identical. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the information is unavailable for both switches. Without this information, it is difficult to compare how much force is needed to press the keys all the way down on each switch. In terms of weight, the actuation force being the same on both switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sensitivity. However, without the bottom out force data, it is unclear which switch is lighter or heavier for those who prefer a specific feel when typing. In general, the actuation force being equal means that users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes on both the Dareu Holly and Outemu Purple tactile switches.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holy and the Outemu Purple tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance from the top to the bottom. The travel distance plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and feedback of a switch. In this case, both switches will provide a consistent tactile experience with the same amount of travel. Whether you choose the Dareu Holly or the Outemu Purple, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and key 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 Purple 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
The Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out with its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users. The Holly switch offers a medium 50g actuation force, giving a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific information about its sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to directly compare to the Holly. In general, when comparing tactile switches, it is important to consider not only the switch itself but also factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can significantly influence the overall typing experience. If the user is looking for a switch with a unique sound profile and medium actuation force, the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be a great choice. However, for those interested in the Outemu Purple switch, further research or testing may be necessary to fully understand its qualities. Ultimately, the best switch choice will depend on the individual's preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you are looking for a unique sound signature with a balanced and distinctive typing experience, the Holly may be the right choice for you with its medium 50g actuation force that combines chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, if you prefer a different type of sound or feel that is not provided by the Purple switch, the Holly may be the better option for you. Ultimately, it is important to consider your typing style, preferences, and needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience for you.
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