Dareu Holly vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Holly and TTC Silent Brown are two popular options worth considering. The Dareu Holly, known for its unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, offers a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a medium 50g actuation force. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, these switches are loved for their muted sound profile. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
63.5g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and TTC Silent Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Both switches will provide a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, the Holly and Silent Brown differ in their bottom housing materials. The Holly features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Silent Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Holly and TTC Silent Brown respectively provides a unique sound profile that splits the qualities of each housing material between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when the key is released. Despite these differences, the overall typing experience and sound profiles of the Holly and Silent Brown are likely to be quite similar due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Brown is lighter in both aspects. The Holly requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Brown only needs 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Brown is 63.5 grams, which is heavier compared to the Holly's unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Brown would be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Holly may be a better fit despite the lack of information on its bottom out force. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the Holly offers a bit more depth compared to the Silent Brown. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Dareu Holly. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 a distinct typing experience that appeals to users seeking a balanced and lively sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards for a quieter typing experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Holly offering a more vibrant and distinctive sound, while the Silent Brown provides a more subtle and subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly switch does not have specific descriptors provided, so we can infer that it offers a tactile typing experience without additional nuances mentioned. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is characterized by descriptors such as "buttery," "mild," and "polished," indicating a smooth and gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and refined key travel. This suggests that the Silent Brown switch may provide a more comfortable and effortless typing experience compared to the Holly switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a unique and lively sound profile, the Dareu Holly tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience with smooth key travel, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on what aspects of sound and feel are most important to you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a unique sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium actuation force of 50g, then the Dareu Holly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted sound profile and a light-medium level of resistance with a satisfying rounded tactile bump, then the TTC Silent Brown switch is the way to go. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision rests on what type of typing experience you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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