Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Holly and Outemu Tom mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer a tactile typing experience. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a 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 Tom switch lacks a specific standout feature but still provides a tactile typing feel. Choosing the Holly switch may be ideal for those who value a unique sound profile, while the Tom switch could be more suitable for users who prefer a simpler tactile typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Tom, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that want to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the bottom housing material differs. The Holly features a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Tom also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to the Holly.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material, the differences lie in how the bottom housing material affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing in the Holly and Tom switches contribute significantly to the sound produced during bottom-out typing actions, creating a deeper and fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to switches with harder bottom housings. In contrast, the impact of the polycarbonate top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key, producing a clear and resonant sound profile that is sharper and higher-pitched.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Holly and Outemu Tom utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, it is the choice of nylon for the bottom housing that sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound in both switches, offering a unique typing experience that is distinct from switches with harder bottom housings. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall typing sound and feel, with the top and bottom housings each playing a significant role in shaping the overall user experience.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch both have a similar actuation force, with the Holly requiring 50 grams and the Tom requiring 55 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. In terms of weight, the Holly may be considered lighter due to its lower actuation force compared to the Tom. The lighter actuation force of the Holly makes it ideal for those who prefer typing for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Tom may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, but the slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Holly offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Tom, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tom offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster input. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance. Whether you prefer a longer press for more tactile feedback or a shorter press for quicker response times, both switches will provide a reliable typing experience.
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 Tom 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 tactile switch stands out with its chirpy and clacky elements, providing a unique typing experience that appeals to users looking for a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, information on the sound characteristics of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not available. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, details about the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly and Outemu Tom switches are not provided. Given the subjective nature of switch feel, it is recommended to try out both switches personally to determine which one suits your typing preferences best.
Considering the available information, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a distinctive typing experience. Without details on the sound and feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand will be the best way to determine which one aligns with your preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch have their own unique characteristics and strengths. If you are looking for a switch with a medium 50g actuation force and a distinct sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, then the Holly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and have specific preferences in terms of sound and feel, you may want to consider the Outemu Tom switch. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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