Dareu Holly vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Durock Sea Glass offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Holly's tactile switch is best known for its medium 50g actuation force, providing a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switch series stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that results in a dry, wispy, and airy typing experience despite its 62g bottom-out force. While the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Sea Glass is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a more pleasant and brighter sound. While the Holly's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, the Sea Glass's blend for the bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but still bright.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Dareu Holly and Durock Sea Glass switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Holly's use of polycarbonate for its top housing gives it a clearer and more resonant sound, perfect for those who appreciate a sharp typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's blend for both top and bottom housing materials offers a pleasant and brighter sound, appealing to those who prefer a softer typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound from polycarbonate or a brighter sound from the unique blend in the Sea Glass, both switches offer distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and Durock Sea Glass play a significant role in how the switches feel and sound. The qualities of the bottom housing in each switch impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, with nylon providing a deeper sound profile in the Holly and the blend in the Sea Glass offering a more pleasant experience. On the other hand, the top housing materials affect the sound when a key is released, with polycarbonate creating a sharper sound in the Holly and the unique blend in the Sea Glass producing a brighter sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a variety of sound profiles for users to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Holly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Glass is higher at 62 grams, while the bottom out force for the Holly is unknown. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Holly providing a firmer push feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Sea Glass, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Holly. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation force can greatly impact the typing experience, with lighter options being suitable for extended typing sessions, and heavier options providing a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly being slightly longer than the Sea Glass. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Sea Glass may be the better option with its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the faster response times that come with a shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with more depth and tactility, the Holly may be the preferred choice due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and response.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 that set it apart from other switches. The distinctive sound profile adds a fun and vibrant feel to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is noted for its hollow sound signature, emanating a sense of airiness and dryness. While the Holly switch leans towards a more lively and sharp sound, the Sea Glass switch provides a more ethereal and unique auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the energetic chirps of the Holly or the airy hollowness of the Sea Glass.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly switch is known for its medium 50g actuation force, providing a balanced and satisfying typing experience. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for its feel are not provided. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a frictionless and smooth typing experience due to its proprietary material blend. The lightweight feel of the Sea Glass switch, despite its 62g bottom-out force, allows for effortless and comfortable typing sessions. Additionally, the mild and feathery qualities of the Sea Glass switch make it ideal for extended use without causing finger fatigue. Ultimately, users can choose between the balanced feel of the Holly switch or the smooth, weightless experience of the Sea Glass switch.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique and appealing qualities to users. While the Holly switch stands out for its balanced and distinctive sound profile, the Sea Glass switch impresses with its frictionless and airy typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that aligns best with their typing style and desired experience. Whether you opt for the lively chirps of the Holly or the weightless smoothness of the Sea Glass, both switches promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, then the Holly switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that emanates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, with a weightless and frictionless nature, then the Sea Glass switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
