Dareu Holly vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Kailh Sage stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly is a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, known for its distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch with a heavier weight and sharp clickiness, offering an invigorating and crunchy typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Kailh Sage both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Holly and the Sage differ in their bottom housing material. The Holly utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the Sage also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities in terms of sound profile when typing on the switches.
While both the Dareu Holly and the Kailh Sage feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches creates a different typing experience, with a deeper and fuller sound compared to other harder plastics. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a balance in sound qualities, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and the Kailh Sage share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, their differentiation lies in the nylon bottom housing, which influences the typing experience and sound produced. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound quality, with polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you choose the Holly or the Sage, you can expect a distinct sound profile based on the combination of housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force for the Holly is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Holly may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial tactile response, the heavier bottom out force of the Sage may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see that the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Sage's 3.6 mm. The Holly falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, offering a bit more depth for those who prefer a hearty feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sage's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches provide a tactile response, but the slight difference in travel distance could be a deciding factor for some users. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The Sage clicky switch, on the other hand, is described as crunchy, offering a sharp and pronounced clicking sound. Depending on personal preference, the Holly may be more appealing to those who enjoy a mix of different sound qualities, while the Sage is for those seeking a satisfyingly crisp and crunchy auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Holly's tactile feedback is not specifically described. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for providing an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that enhances the typing sensation. For users who prioritize a tactile response and enjoy a distinctive feedback with each keypress, the Sage switch may be the preferred choice.
Taking into account the information provided, it is evident that the Dareu Holly switch and the Kailh Sage switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly excels in providing a unique sound profile with chirpy and clacky elements, while the Sage stands out with its crisp and crunchy clicking sound. In terms of feel, the Sage offers a sharp and invigorating tactile experience, whereas the details of the Holly's tactile feedback are not explicitly outlined. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a balanced and distinctive sound profile with a mix of chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavy and sharp clicky typing experience with a crunchy sound, the Sage switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel that you enjoy the most while typing.
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