Dareu Holly vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star Duck are both excellent options to consider. The Dareu Holly 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 experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. While the Holly switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Neutral', the Duck switch falls under 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Polished'. Depending on your preferences for typing feel and sound, both switches have their own strengths and appeals. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star Duck, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboards. However, the Holly's nylon bottom housing contrasts with the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. While nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, polycarbonate in the bottom housing provides a clearer and more resonant sound experience.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Holly and Duck keyboards highlights the impact of housing materials on sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly contributes to a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. These differences in sound quality based on the bottom housing material showcase how the choice of material can significantly influence the overall typing experience. The split qualities between the bottom and top housing of a switch further demonstrate the importance of selecting the right materials for achieving the desired sound and feel.
Overall, while both the Holly and Duck keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and RGB lighting capabilities, their bottom housing materials differ significantly. The contrast between the nylon bottom housing of the Holly and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck highlights how material choice impacts sound quality. Whether seeking a deeper and fuller sound profile with nylon or a crisper and resonant sound profile with polycarbonate, understanding the role of housing materials in keyboard construction is essential for selecting the right keyboard to suit personal preferences and typing needs.
Weight
The Dareu Holly and SP-Star Duck tactile switches have different characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out force. The Holly has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Duck, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Holly does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Holly may provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer less resistance, while the Duck offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the key travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. The similar travel distance ensures that users will experience consistent tactile feedback and keypress actuation regardless of which switch is used. In comparison to switches with longer or shorter travel distances, both the Holly and the Duck offer a standard key feel that is neither too shallow nor too deep, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort for typing or gaming. Whether you choose the Holly or the Duck, you can expect a familiar keypress experience with the same 4 mm travel distance.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinct typing experience that stands out from the more typical neutral sound profile. These switches are best suited for users who enjoy a bit of character in the sound of their keyboard. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a cleaner and crisper sound profile, with a neutral sound that is suitable for a wider range of users. Both switches offer quality sound profiles, but the Holly switch will give a more lively and unique typing experience compared to the more subtle sound of the Duck switch.
As for the feel of the switches, the information provided does not specify the tactile qualities of the Holly switch, so it is difficult to directly compare it to the Duck switch. The SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as providing a mild and buttery typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that is suitable for various users. With a polished finish, these switches ensure smooth and effortless key presses for a pleasant typing sensation. If the Holly switch offers a similar tactile experience to the Duck switch, users can expect a comfortable and smooth typing experience that is not too harsh or too soft.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound profile, appealing to users looking for a more distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a neutral and clean sound, along with a mild and buttery tactile feel that caters to a wider range of preferences. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world find a switch that suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a balanced sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch with its medium 50g actuation force would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch with its 58g bottom out force would be a better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound profile or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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