Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and Outemu Red Panda are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Dareu Holly, known for its unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, offers a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a medium 50g actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda provides a light-medium amount of tactility, alongside a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences, with the Holly appealing to those looking for a more neutral and balanced typing experience, while the Red Panda may suit individuals who prefer a more tactile and thocky feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Dareu Holly and the Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them suitable for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Holly and Red Panda differs, with nylon being a softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon bottoms.
While both the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Red Panda share similar polycarbonate top housings that contribute to their sharp and clear sound profiles, the differences lie in their respective nylon bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a unique typing experience, with the Dareu Holly offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Outemu Red Panda's deeper and fuller sound. This variation in bottom housing materials allows for users to choose the switch that best suits their sound preferences.
In terms of key feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Dareu Holly and Outemu Red Panda results in a well-rounded typing experience that caters to different sound preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with a polycarbonate top housing or a deeper sound profile with a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Holly and Outemu Red Panda tactile switches both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out force. The Holly has an unknown bottom out force, while the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Red Panda provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Holly. Individuals who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Holly for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a bit of resistance for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Red Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Holly offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Red Panda, providing a more traditional feel with a bit more depth to the keypress. On the other hand, the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preference; if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Red Panda may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a bit more depth to your keypress, the Holly could be a great choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your own preferences and needs.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 switch is known for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, offering users a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The Holly's sound profile is characterized by a slight squeakiness (chirpy) and a sharp, percussive noise (clacky) when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, giving it a thocky quality. Depending on personal preference, users may find the chirpy and clacky sound of the Holly more appealing, or they may prefer the deep and satisfying thocky sound of the Red Panda.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly switch has no specific descriptors provided, so it is difficult to directly compare it to the Outemu Red Panda switch, which is described as offering a mild typing experience. A mild switch typically provides a gentle typing feel, falling in a safe middle-ground zone that should be approachable to most users. Without specific descriptors for the Holly switch, it is hard to determine how its tactile feel compares to the mild tactility of the Red Panda switch. Users who prefer a softer, more subtle tactile bump may lean towards the Red Panda, while those looking for a potentially more pronounced tactile feel may be drawn to the Holly.
Overall, the Dareu Holly and Outemu Red Panda switches offer distinct sound and potentially different tactile experiences for users to explore. Choosing between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so users are encouraged to try them out to see which one best suits their typing style and preferences. Additionally, factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap materials can also influence the final typing experience, so it's important to consider these variables when making a decision. Ultimately, regardless of the choice between the two switches, users can expect a tactile typing experience that meets their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique chirpy and clacky sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch with its medium 50g actuation force would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium tactility and a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, alongside a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch with its 60g bottom out force would be a better fit for your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and overall typing experience when choosing between these two switches to find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard.
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