Dareu Holly vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and KTT Strawberry offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly is a tactile switch known for its medium 50g actuation force, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with an attractive pink and clear housing. While the Holly offers a unique sound signature and a neutral typing experience, the Strawberry stands out for its low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. Both switches have their strengths, but deciding between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
The Dareu Holly and the KTT Strawberry both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is known for its clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing. The Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the sharp and crisp sound of the top housing for a well-rounded auditory experience.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Dareu Holly and the KTT Strawberry plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a more subdued experience compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains a sharper and clearer sound profile. This distinction in material highlights how the choice of bottom housing can impact the overall typing experience and the preference of users depending on their sound preferences. Despite both switches sharing a polycarbonate top housing, it is the bottom housing material that influences the tactile and audible feedback while typing.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and the KTT Strawberry showcase how the combination of different housing materials can create unique typing experiences. While both switches benefit from the sharp and crisp sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing, their contrasting bottom housing materials offer distinct sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry maintains a sharper and clearer sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as the materials used in their housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Holly has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. This means that the Holly requires more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Holly's force is unknown while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Holly may provide a more tactile typing experience, while the Strawberry may offer a lighter touch. This variation in force can cater to different preferences, with some users favoring the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Holly for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This can provide a consistent typing experience across different keyboards using these switches. Overall, both the Holly and the Strawberry offer a standard travel distance that users can expect when using keyboards with these switches.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinctive typing experience that stands out from the crowd. The KTT Strawberry linear switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a low-pitched sound that provides a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Depending on personal preference and setup, users can enjoy either the vibrant acoustics of the Holly or the soothing tones of the Strawberry.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Holly switch does not have specific descriptors provided in the information given. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as offering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These qualities indicate that the Strawberry switch provides a smooth and effortless keystroke, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. While the specific feel of the Holly switch remains unknown, users can expect a tactile typing sensation with a medium actuation force.
Taking into account the available information, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch stands out for its distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, catering to users seeking a balanced and unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch excels in providing a smooth and frictionless typing feel with its low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Users can expect satisfying results from both switches, with the Holly offering a distinct sound profile and the Strawberry delivering a smooth and comfortable typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium 50g actuation force, it provides a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams and a smooth actuation, the KTT Strawberry switch would be more suitable for you. Its low-pitched sound and frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel make it a comfortable and reliable option for your typing needs. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to determine which switch would best suit your needs.
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