Dareu Holly vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, and the KTT Pine, a linear switch, it becomes evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Dareu Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine boasts a medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and a polished, factory-lubed finish for minimized friction and effortless typing. While the Holly is characterized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Pine is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Considering these general pointers, users seeking a more tactile typing experience may prefer the Holly, while those looking for a smooth and buttery keystroke may opt for the Pine. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the KTT Pine, we can see that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a significant role in achieving a clear and resonant sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting setups, making both the Holly and Pine suitable options for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Dareu Holly features a nylon material while the KTT Pine includes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This variation in material contributes to a difference in sound profiles between the two keyboards. The nylon material in the Holly creates a deeper and fuller sound, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Pine maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials can lead to a noticeable disparity in typing experience between the two keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a keyboard can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on the device. While both the Dareu Holly and the KTT Pine share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material brings about distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound from nylon or a crisper and higher-pitched sound from polycarbonate, understanding the role of housing materials in keyboard construction can help you make an informed decision based on your preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Holly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Pine at 58 grams is heavier than the Holly's force, which is not specified. The Holly provides a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Pine offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it ideal for users who appreciate a stronger push feel while typing. Both switches have their merits, with the Holly catering to those who prioritize a lighter touch, while the Pine appeals to users who prefer a heavier key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance, resulting in similar typing experiences. The 4 mm travel distance is considered to be standard for mechanical switches, providing a satisfying amount of keypress feedback without being too shallow or too deep. Overall, whether you choose the Holly or Pine switch, you can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The chirpy sound adds a playful element to typing, while the clacky sound provides a sharp and snappy feedback, giving users a satisfying auditory response. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by a deep and rich bassy sound profile, offering a more mellow and low-pitched tone during key presses. Both switches provide different sound profiles that cater to varying preferences, with the Holly leaning towards a chirpy and clacky sound, and the Pine offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, making it difficult to compare directly to the KTT Pine linear switch. However, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The polished, factory-lubed finish of the Pine switches minimizes friction for a seamless and effortless typing sensation, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keys with ease. While the feel of the Holly switch is not explicitly detailed, the buttery and creamy description of the Pine switch suggests a similar smooth and tactile typing experience that users may enjoy.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch stands out for its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch excels in its deep and rich bassy sound profile, coupled with a buttery and creamy feel for smooth and effortless typing. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find the ideal switch that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium actuation force of 50g and enjoy a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 58g and prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a buttery and creamy feel, the Pine switch could be more suitable. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, whether you choose the Holly or the Pine, you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
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