Dareu Holly vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch with the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that they offer unique advantages catering to different preferences. The holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users who enjoy a mix of chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the purple star switch boasts an all-POM construction and very light 45g bottom-out, offering a buttery smooth typing experience ideal for light typists. While the holly switch is categorized as chirpy, clacky, neutral, the purple star switch falls under mild, low-pitched, easy-to-press. Both switches have their own strengths, making them appealing choices for different typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the KTT Purple Star both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, but they differ in their top and bottom housing compositions. The Holly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Purple Star features a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, with the Holly leaning towards a clearer sound and the Purple Star towards a deeper tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Holly's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing contributes to a unique sound that is also deep and relatively muted. Despite their different bottom housing materials, both switches offer a similar depth and richness in sound, complementing their respective top housing materials. This ensures that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience with a blend of sharpness and depth in sound.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Holly and the KTT Purple Star comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Holly's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a more distinct and resonant sound, while the Purple Star's POM housing provides a unique, deeper tone. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted one, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, it is the user's individual preference for sound profile that will determine which switch is the better fit for their needs.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Purple Star has a higher bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unavailable. In terms of weight, the Holly would provide a slightly heavier typing experience due to its higher actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Purple Star would be considered lighter in terms of actuation force, which could benefit individuals who type for extended periods and prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly offering a bit more depth compared to the Purple Star. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preference for typing or gaming 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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 is known for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience. The chirpy sound adds a subtle squeak to the switch, setting it apart from others, while the clacky sound delivers a sharp and snappy tone that is crisp and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide a different auditory experience, with the Holly offering a more dynamic and distinctive sound compared to the Purple Star's mellower tone.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided, suggesting that its feel is not as explicitly defined as the sound. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as providing a mild and easy-to-press typing experience. The mild feel of the Purple Star switch offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, appealing to a wide range of users. The easy-to-press nature of the switch reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making typing effortless and comfortable for the user.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly stands out with its unique chirpy and clacky sound elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, ideal for light typists seeking ease and comfort. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the dynamic sound signature of the Holly switch or the gentle and easy-to-press nature of the Purple Star switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you are looking for a unique and balanced typing experience with a medium actuation force and a mix of chirpy and clacky sound elements, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a very light actuation force and a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
