Dareu Holly vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Holly and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its tactile feedback and medium 50g actuation force, providing a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. This switch caters to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a linear feel that is perfect for environments where quiet typing is essential. With a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own advantages, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and Gateron Silent Ink Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Holly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Both materials result in a satisfying sound profile, but the Holly's polycarbonate provides a more translucent aesthetic for RGB lighting.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Holly's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to the overall sound profile, with its pointed and high-pitched characteristics. Both materials add unique qualities to the switches, with nylon offering a softer sound and the INK blend providing a thinner and clacky sound.
Overall, while the Dareu Holly and Gateron Silent Ink Black use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's polycarbonate or the proprietary INK blend, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences for typing enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences to users. The Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the Silent Ink Black boasts a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Holly. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Holly may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience with the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation points regardless of which switch they choose. So, whether you opt for the Dareu Holly or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can rest assured that you'll get comparable results in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 distinctive typing experience that stands out among other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed for quieter environments, producing a muted sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Holly information is not provided, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience. These qualities ensure smooth key travel and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall typing feel for users who prefer a more refined touch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a unique sound signature with a balance of chirpy and clacky elements, while the Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes a silent typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel. Depending on your personal preferences and typing environment, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a unique sound experience with a balance of chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing environment with a cushiony bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which switch aligns best with your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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