Dareu Holly vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When evaluating mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Gateron Quinn both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly switch stands out for its medium 50g actuation force and a distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, creating a rich and immersive typing experience. While the Holly switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Quinn switch boasts a range of attributes including 'Snappy', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Accented', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your specific preferences and typing needs. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Gateron Quinn both feature nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This means that both switches will have a duller and rounder sound when pressed down, providing a satisfying typing experience. However, the top housing material differs between the two switches, with the Holly featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Quinn featuring a nylon top housing. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the Quinn's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a softer sound profile when typing.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Holly's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting to create a visually appealing keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn's nylon top housing, while not translucent, still offers a classic and timeless look that appeals to those who prioritize simplicity and functionality. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a sharper or deeper sound when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Quinn will come down to individual preference for sound profile and aesthetics.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Quinn may offer different sound profiles and aesthetics, the use of nylon in their bottom housing provides a consistent experience in terms of feel and sound when typing. The softer plastic of the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that both switches share. With the differences in their top housing materials, users can choose between the sharper and crisper sound of the Holly's polycarbonate top housing or the deeper and rounder sound of the Quinn's nylon top housing based on their personal preferences. Overall, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holly's force is unknown, while the Quinn has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The difference in actuation force means that the Quinn switch may require slightly more force to register a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Holly switch may be more suitable for those looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In general, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force required for key presses.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Quinn tactile switches, it is evident that the Holly has a longer travel distance of 4mm compared to the Quinn's 3.4mm. A difference of 0.6mm may not seem like much, but it can make a significant impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The Holly's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper key press, while the Quinn's shorter travel distance can offer quicker response times preferred by gamers. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences, so ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and individual typing or gaming style.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 blend of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch boasts a deep and resonant sound profile with a touch of bass, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. Both switches provide a crisp and bright clacky sound, but the Holly leans towards a chirpy tone while the Quinn offers a deeper, more immersive sound. Overall, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound profile, as both switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly switch's tactile qualities are not explicitly described, whereas the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its snappy and polished keystrokes. The Quinn switch gives users a responsive and refined typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. The switches are characterized by a bouncy and buttery feel, providing a lively feedback with each key press. If you prefer a switch that offers a balance between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes, the Quinn switch may be the preferred choice for a tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and Gateron Quinn tactile switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch excels in providing a distinctive sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements, while the Quinn switch delivers a deep and resonant sound profile with a touch of bass. When it comes to feel, the Quinn switch stands out for its snappy and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and responsive keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, as both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a unique sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, and a balanced typing experience with a medium 50g actuation force, the Dareu Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, resonant sound profile, crisp and light switch-like tactility, and a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Gateron Quinn switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a distinctive sound profile or a precise, crisp tactile bump in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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