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Dareu Holly vs. Dareu Snow

An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Dareu Snow offer distinct typing experiences for users to enjoy. The Holly, a tactile switch, is known for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing feel. On the other hand, the Snow, a linear switch, features an innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound signature. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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

50g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.30 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.30 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

Stainless steel

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Snow, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Snow utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smooth and clacky feel, as well as exceptional durability. Although both are high-quality materials, they offer slightly different sound profiles and tactile feedback for the switches.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Snow use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Holly and the Snow offer a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder and duller sound, resulting in a more pleasing typing experience for users.

Overall, while the top housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Snow offer distinct advantages, such as sharper sound profiles or smoother tactile feedback, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, the differences in materials do affect the overall feel and sound of the switches, with the POK top housing of the Snow providing a smoother experience and the polycarbonate top housing of the Holly offering a crisper sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.

Weight

The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch both share a similar actuation force of 50 grams, providing users with a consistent and responsive typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Snow switch has a higher weight of 60 grams compared to the Holly switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Snow switch offers a slightly heavier feel when pressing down all the way. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Holly switch, as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more robust and substantial typing experience may opt for the Snow switch with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Snow linear switch has the shorter travel distance compared to the Holly tactile switch. The Holly with its 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional keypress feel with a slightly deeper press, while the Snow linear switch with 3.3 mm provides a shallower and potentially quicker keypress experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Snow linear switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Holly tactile switch. Ultimately, both switches offer different travel distances to cater to individual preferences and usage scenarios.

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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.

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

The Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique sound signature, combining chirpy and clacky elements to provide a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound profile, thanks to its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a smooth linear typing experience with a thocky sound. While the Holly switch leans towards a chirpy and clacky sound, the Snow switch provides a deeper and more satisfying thocky sound when typing. Both switches offer different auditory experiences that cater to the user's preference, with the Holly being more unique and distinctive, while the Snow provides a deeper and richer sound.

In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided, while the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation when typing. The bouncy feel of the Snow switch adds a lively and responsive touch to each keystroke, giving a satisfying rebound when pressed. Without specific descriptors for the Holly switch, it can be assumed to have a standard tactile feel typical of tactile switches.

Overall, the Dareu Holly and Dareu Snow switches offer contrasting sound profiles, with the Holly providing a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, and the Snow delivering a deeper thocky sound. The feel of the switches also differs, with the Snow switch described as bouncy for a lively typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience on a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the Holly and Snow switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, then the Dareu Holly switch with its medium 50g actuation force would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound profile, especially utilizing POK material for a distinct typing experience, then the Dareu Snow switch with its 60g bottom out force would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or a bouncy feel when typing. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, so choose wisely based on what attributes matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

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