Dareu Holly vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, to the Dareu Sky V4, a linear switch, it's essential to consider their unique characteristics. The Holly, with its medium 50g actuation force, offers a typing experience that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive feel. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action, providing a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Sky V4 is labeled as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in typing feel. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Sky V4, we can see that they both differ in their top housing materials. The Holly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Sky V4 uses a POK top housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. While both materials offer unique benefits, the polycarbonate top housing of the Holly may provide a more resonant sound profile, while the POK top housing of the Sky V4 offers smoother and clackier switches.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Sky V4 feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether you choose the Holly or the Sky V4, you can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom housing material.
Overall, the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Sky V4 contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Holly may provide a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Sky V4 offers a smoother typing experience with its POK top housing. However, both switches share the benefit of having nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Holly and the Sky V4 will depend on your preference for sound and feel in your typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, the actuation force of the Holly is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the Sky V4's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Sky V4 is heavier at 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. This means that the Sky V4 provides a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force but a heavier resistance when bottoming out compared to the Holly.
When it comes to preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Sky V4 due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Holly, as it offers a slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, catering to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, the Holly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky V4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Holly therefore has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky V4. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly being closer to the standard 4 mm and the Sky V4 being slightly shallower at 3.6 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky V4 for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Holly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 V4 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 V4 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a deeper sound signature due to the innovative use of POK material in its top housing, resulting in a rich and satisfying typing sound. While the Holly provides a chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Sky V4 delivers a thocky and low-pitched tone, catering to different preferences in auditory feedback. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, there is limited information available about the tactile experience of the Dareu Holly switch. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as providing a bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like and lively feedback when the keys are pressed. This bouncy feeling can enhance the typing experience by providing a sense of rebound and responsiveness to the user's keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a balanced sound profile with chirpy and clacky elements, while the Sky V4 switch offers a deeper and richer typing sound. Additionally, the bouncy feel of the Sky V4 switch adds a spring-like feedback to keystrokes. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a unique sound profile with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, opt for the Holly switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and smoother sound with a satisfying thocky quality, the Sky V4 switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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