Dareu Holly vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Sky V3 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, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky V3, a linear switch. The Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force, offering a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, catering to a wide range of typing preferences with comfort and precision. While the Holly is preferred by those seeking a bit more tactile feedback, the Sky V3 is favored for its smooth and consistent typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and Dareu Sky V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Holly and Sky V3 differ as the Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing while the Sky V3 also features a polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the Holly's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Sky V3's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a different typing experience, with a more resonant and clearer sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a slightly varying sound and feel when typing on these two switches.
While both the Dareu Holly and Sky V3 share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the difference in bottom housing material results in a slightly different typing experience for each switch. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing means that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch which has an actuation force of 40 grams, making the Sky V3 lighter in this aspect. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. When comparing these two switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky V3, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel might prefer the Holly. Since the bottom out force is unavailable for both switches, it is difficult to determine which one would require more force to fully press down. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for key press weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a consistent keypress experience in terms of the distance traveled. The 4mm travel distance allows for a comfortable and responsive typing or gaming experience, ensuring that both switches offer a similar level of keypress feedback. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Holly switch or the smooth linear feel of the Sky V3 switch, you can rely on both options to provide a consistent travel distance for each keypress.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 stands out for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinct and balanced typing experience that caters to users seeking a bit of character in their switch sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile, offering a more understated typing experience that is suitable for various preferences. While the Holly switch offers a more lively and distinctive sound, the Sky V3 switch provides a quieter and more muted typing experience, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a less attention-grabbing sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the information provided does not specify the tactile characteristics of the Dareu Holly switch. However, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle ground. This suggests that the Sky V3 switch may appeal to users who prefer a softer and less pronounced tactile feedback compared to switches with more distinct characteristics.
Considering all the available information, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and potential differences in feel. The Holly switch provides a more unique and pronounced sound profile with its chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users looking for a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Sky V3 switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound, appealing to those seeking a quieter typing experience. Additionally, while the feel of the Holly switch is not specified, the mild typing experience of the Sky V3 switch suggests a softer and more approachable feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch with its medium 50g actuation force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a lighter typing experience, the Sky V3 switch with its medium-light weight and mild feel could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the type of sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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