Dareu Holly vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. While the Holly switch caters to those seeking a more tactile typing experience, the Silent Red switch offers a quiet and comfortable feel throughout. 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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Holly and Silent Red differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Red also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound qualities as the Holly in this respect.
While both the Dareu Holly and TTC Silent Red share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, their differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the relatively softer and sound-absorbing nature of nylon in the Silent Red. These contrasting bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches. Despite the differences in bottom housing, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches still plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile, especially upon key release.
In terms of the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt more upon pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Dareu Holly and TTC Silent Red may have similar polycarbonate top housings, the contrast in their nylon bottom housings provides distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound is preferred.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, which requires 45 grams. This means that the Holly switch will require slightly more force to register a keypress. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Silent Red switch is 63.5 grams, indicating that it will provide a firmer typing experience when fully pressed compared to the Holly switch, for which the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Silent Red switch is heavier due to its higher bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. However, the Holly switch may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and the desired level of force required for key presses.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Red. A 0.3 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel of the keypress. The longer travel distance of the Holly may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, while the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may allow for quicker response times, which is favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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. The TTC Silent Red linear switch, on the other hand, delivers a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices or shared living spaces. The Holly switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky characteristics, while the Silent Red switch focuses on minimizing noise for a more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches will depend on the user's personal taste and environment.
When it comes to feel, specific descriptions for the Holly switch are not available. However, the TTC Silent Red switch is noted for its smooth and seamless typing experience, with a consistent feel from top to bottom. The switch also offers a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort during extended typing sessions. The Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience that is gentle yet consistent. While the exact feel of the Holly switch is unknown, users can expect a comfortable typing experience based on its medium actuation force of 50g.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a unique sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch prioritizes a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel for a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying results for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a unique typing experience with a combination of chirpy and clacky sound elements, the Holly switch with its medium 50g actuation force is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience suitable for office or shared living spaces, the Silent Red switch with its muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel may be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and where you plan to use the keyboard.
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