Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Outemu Silver stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Dareu Holly is a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, known for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch with no specific standout feature. Those looking for a tactile typing experience may be drawn to the Dareu Holly, while users seeking a more consistent and smooth keystroke may prefer the Outemu Silver. 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
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
Both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Silver feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the Holly and Silver differ in their bottom housing material, with the Holly featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in brand, both the Holly and Silver provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing material.
When considering the impact of housing material on switch performance, it's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both the Holly and Silver effectively utilize their housing materials to create unique sound profiles and typing experiences for users.
Weight
The actuation force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, which requires 45 grams of force. However, the bottom out force of the Silver switch is significantly heavier at 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Holly switch is unknown. This means that while the Holly switch may require more force to register a keypress, the Silver switch will give a more substantial typing experience overall due to its heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Holly switch may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more solid feel when typing would likely prefer the Outemu Silver switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is evident that both switches offer the same amount of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience. This means that whether you choose the Holly or the Silver switch, you can expect similar results in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Ultimately, both switches offer the same level of comfort and responsiveness due to their identical travel distances.
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 Silver 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 offers a unique sound profile characterized by a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinct typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of sound. When it comes to feel, information is not available for either switch, making it difficult to directly compare their tactile feedback. Overall, it is important to consider the sound and feel aspects of a switch in combination with other factors such as typing preferences and usage scenarios to determine which switch may be the best fit for individual needs. Even though direct comparisons in sound and feel may not be possible due to the lack of information provided for the Silver, it is likely that users looking for a unique sound experience would lean towards the Holly switch, while those who prefer a linear and smooth feel may opt for the Silver switch. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for an enhanced typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique sound signature and a medium 50g actuation force, the Dareu Holly switch would be a great choice for you. The chirpy and clacky elements make typing on this switch a balanced and distinctive experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silver switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the Holly and Silver switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. We hope this comparison has helped you make an informed decision on which switch will best suit your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
