Dareu Holly vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

The Dareu Holly and KTT Semi Mute mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch, despite its name, provides a completely silent operation with a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, ideal for those prioritizing a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing. While the Holly switch offers a chirpy and clacky typing experience, the Semi Mute switch provides a buttery and mild feel. Both switches fall under the neutral category but serve different purposes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Holly Tactile

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The Dareu Holly and the KTT Semi Mute both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches with RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Holly's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound, similar to its top housing.

While both the Holly and Semi Mute share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The split between the top and bottom housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material plays a role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This split design allows for a combination of qualities from each housing material to come through during typing, providing a dynamic and varied typing experience.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Holly and the KTT Semi Mute showcases how different plastics can affect sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper sound, the contrasting use of nylon in the Holly's bottom housing creates a deeper sound compared to the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of material selection in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches.

Weight

The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Holly's force is unknown while the Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Semi Mute switch requires more force to bottom out compared to the Holly switch, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. On the other hand, the Holly switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In summary, the Semi Mute switch is heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Holly switch, offering a different typing experience for users depending on their preferences.

Travel distance

both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting the two switches, they both offer the same level of key travel, providing a similar typing experience for users. Whether typing on the Dareu Holly or the KTT Semi Mute, individuals can expect a consistent travel distance, resulting in similar results for both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In comparing the sound qualities of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Holly offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, giving a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch provides a completely silent operation with advanced dampening technology, ensuring a noise-free environment for undisturbed typing sessions. The Holly's sound signature is more vivid and engaging, catering to users looking for a more lively typing experience, while the Semi Mute excels in providing a quiet and discreet typing experience, especially suitable for late-night use. Both switches fall under the category of neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various typing preferences and environments.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Holly's tactile characteristics are not explicitly described, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is known for providing a buttery and mild typing experience. A buttery switch signifies a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing feel, while a mild switch offers a gentle typing experience with approachable qualities that suit a wide range of users. The Semi Mute's linear actuation paired with a buttery feel provides a comfortable and gratifying typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and uniformity in keystrokes.

In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer contrasting yet appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly stands out for its unique sound signature, combining chirpy and clacky elements for a distinctive typing experience, while the Semi Mute excels in providing a noise-free and buttery typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and needs, with the Holly offering a livelier typing experience and the Semi Mute prioritizing quiet and smooth operation. Ultimately, selecting between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and versatile typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch with its 50g actuation force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing with a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the KTT Semi Mute switch with its 58g bottom out force could be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of features and benefits, so choose the one that best fits your typing style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Holly Tactile

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more