Dareu Holly vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stand out as unique options with their distinct characteristics. The Holly, a tactile switch, offers a medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch, features a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, offering a silky smooth type feel with a touch of snappiness. While the Holly is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and balanced typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear caters to users who prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and polished 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
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This makes them ideal choices if you plan to use RGB lighting due to their translucency. However, the difference comes in the bottom housing material. The Holly features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear also uses a nylon bottom housing but absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both keyboards share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the distinction lies in the bottom housing material. The Holly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound profile, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound. This contrast showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard. It also demonstrates the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a keyboard.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Holly and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile. Both keyboards offer a crisp and resonant sound due to their polycarbonate top housing, but the different bottom housing materials provide varying levels of depth and roundness to the sound produced. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a duller and rounder sound, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on the specific sound profile you are looking to achieve in your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Holly is listed as having no specific measurement, while the Semi-Silent Linear requires 62 grams to bottom out. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Holly. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing, the Holly may be more suitable, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Holly, while those looking for a slightly quicker response time may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so users can expect a familiar typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is known for its semi-silent profile, whisper-quiet topping-out sound, and clacky bottom-out sound. Each switch caters to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Holly being more distinct and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the information on the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided. However, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. Additionally, it is noted for being snappy and buttery, providing a smooth and responsive typing sensation. These qualities make the Semi-Silent Linear switch appealing to those looking for a comfortable and consistent typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a distinctive sound profile with a medium 50g actuation force, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with a smooth and gentle feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to individual preference and typing style when choosing between the two. If a user enjoys chirpy and clacky sounds with a balanced feel, the Holly switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if someone prefers a quieter typing experience with a smoother feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a unique typing experience with a balance of chirpy and clacky sounds, the Holly switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a smooth, buttery feel and a subdued sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer different characteristics that cater to specific typing preferences, so make sure to choose based on what best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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