Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Outemu Silent Grey switches stand out as popular options. The Holly switch, known for its medium 50g actuation force, offers a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch by Outemu is praised for its quiet and highly tactile typing sensation, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Holly switch is categorized as chirpy, clacky, neutral, the Silent Grey switch doesn't fall into any specific category. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal to 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housings.
In contrast, the Dareu Holly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar effect of creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes significantly to the overall sound profile and feel of the keys when pressed.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silent Grey splits the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. The nylon bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a blend of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate and deeper, fuller tones from the nylon, providing a versatile and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Holly switch's bottom out force is unknown, while the Silent Grey switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. The difference in bottom out force means that the Silent Grey switch will provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Holly switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Holly switch would be the better option as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. Alternatively, those who prefer a stronger push feel may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Grey switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. This allows for consistent feedback and keypresses when using either switch. Overall, neither switch has an advantage over the other in terms of travel distance, as they both provide the same amount of key travel for users to feel when typing.
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 Silent Grey 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 for its unique sound profile, offering a combination of chirpy and clacky elements that provide a distinct typing experience. The chirpy sound adds a bit of character to each keystroke, while the clacky sound delivers a sharp and snappy feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is renowned for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a silent typing experience. While the Silent Grey switch offers a smooth keystroke and a pronounced bump for tactile feedback, the Holly switch presents a more dynamic auditory experience with its chirpy and clacky characteristics.
When it comes to sound, users can expect a more lively and distinctive typing experience with the Dareu Holly switch, thanks to its chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a more subdued and quiet typing experience, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Holly switch providing a more unique and standout sound, while the Silent Grey switch prioritizes a silent operation without compromising on tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a unique sound signature with a mix of chirpy and clacky elements and a medium actuation force, the Dareu Holly switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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