Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silent Ocean are two popular options to consider. The Dareu Holly switch is a tactile switch known for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke with no audible click. While the Holly switch provides tactile feedback, the Silent Ocean switch ensures quiet operation without compromising on performance. Both switches have their own advantages 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
45g
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
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
Both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silent Ocean feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with these housings. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the clear housing. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the auditory and visual experience of using these switches.
In contrast, the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silent Ocean both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a different tactile experience for users.
Overall, the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silent Ocean demonstrate how different housing materials can influence the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches. While both switches share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housings offer a distinct tactile feel and sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound when typing, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Holly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Ocean is heavier at 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. The difference in actuation force can provide a different typing experience for users, with the Holly offering a slightly more resistant feel when pressing down keys. In contrast, the Silent Ocean provides a lighter actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired weight of the key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer the same tactile feedback and feel when pressed down on a key. Users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either switch, as they both provide a consistent and comfortable typing experience. It is worth noting that the travel distance of both switches is ideal for those who prefer a standard key travel distance, providing a satisfying feel with each key press. Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them both viable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Ocean 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
While the Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a specific sound descriptor available. The Holly offers a balanced and distinctive typing experience with its medium 50g actuation force, appealing to users seeking a switch with a bit of character in its sound profile. The lack of information on the sound of the Silent Ocean could suggest a quieter operation, potentially making it a suitable choice for those looking for a more subdued typing experience.
As for the feel of the switches, details on the tactile feedback and typing experience of both the Holly and Silent Ocean are not provided. Without this information, it is difficult to directly compare the subjective qualities of the switches in terms of how they feel to type on. However, the tactile nature of the Holly switch and the linear action of the Silent Ocean switch offer differing typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer unique sound profiles and likely differing typing experiences based on their tactile or linear nature. If sound quality is a priority, the Holly switch may be more appealing due to its defined chirpy and clacky elements. Conversely, if a quieter operation is desired, the Silent Ocean switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best choice for each individual user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and balanced typing experience with a combination of chirpy and clacky sound elements, the Dareu Holly tactile switch with its 50g actuation force would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and value a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound profile or bottom out force in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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