Dareu Holly vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and KTT Rose are certainly worth considering. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, is known for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose, a linear switch, stands out with its progressive springs that offer a substantial yet not heavy typing experience, producing a sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops. While the Holly is more 'Chirpy' and 'Clacky', the Rose is 'Low-pitched' and 'Polished'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and KTT Rose both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. With both switches utilizing the same material for their top housing, users can expect similar audio and visual effects when typing on either the Dareu Holly or KTT Rose.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Dareu Holly and KTT Rose utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon housing material. Therefore, users can expect a more muted and smoother typing experience with both the Dareu Holly and KTT Rose, thanks to the nylon bottom housing featured in both switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Holly and KTT Rose may differ in material, the impact of each housing material is felt differently during typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a significant tactile response when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to the overall typing experience. Despite these differences, users can still expect a unique and satisfying typing experience from both the Dareu Holly and KTT Rose switches, as each housing material brings its own set of qualities to the table.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Rose linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the KTT Rose switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly switch is not available. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. The Holly switch would be preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Rose switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent feel in terms of travel distance, making them ideal choices for users who prefer a standard keypress experience.Overall, the travel distance of the Dareu Holly and KTT Rose switches are equal, providing a familiar typing experience for users.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
The Dareu Holly tactile switch is well-known for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a soothing typing experience reminiscent of bassy raindrops. Both switches fall within the neutral sound profile category, making them suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and can be used in various settings such as at home or in the office.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Holly tactile switch lacks specific descriptors, suggesting that its feel may be more traditional and standard. In contrast, the KTT Rose linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic indicates a gentle typing feel, suitable for most users, while the polished feature suggests a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. This refined feel adds a touch of luxury to the typing experience with the KTT Rose linear switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly excels in providing a unique sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements, while the Rose offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences in sound and feel. However, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch with its 50g actuation force would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a substantial yet not heavy typing experience with low-pitched tones and progressive springs for a bass-heavy and mellow sound, the KTT Rose switch with its 63.5g bottom out force might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.