Dareu Holly vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Holly and the Durock T1. The Dareu Holly switch is favored for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that blends chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock T1 is lauded for its super comfortable typing feel, featuring a medium bump upon pressing down and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. While the Dareu Holly leans towards a chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Durock T1 offers a more neutral and polished typing experience. 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
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and the Durock T1 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches with RGB lighting, allowing the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. With both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, you can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, the Holly's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience. Similarly, the T1 also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, further enhancing the deep and full sound profile when typing on the switch. Both switches offer a distinct sound experience due to their nylon bottom housing, providing a tactile and satisfying typing feel for users.
The division of qualities between the top and bottom housing of a switch is crucial in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. By understanding how different housing materials affect the sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch, users can choose switches that align with their preferences for sound and typing experience. Whether it's polycarbonate in the top housing for a crisper sound or nylon in the bottom housing for a deeper sound, both the Dareu Holly and the Durock T1 offer a range of options for users to customize their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is clear that the Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the T1's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. This means that the Holly requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. In contrast, the T1 provides a more substantial typing feel with a heavier force required for bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch to the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either of these switches. The travel distance plays a significant role in how a key feels when typing, with a shorter travel distance typically lending itself to a quicker typing experience. In this case, since both the Holly and T1 have the same travel distance, users can expect consistent results in terms of feel and typing speed with either switch. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will not experience a significant difference in keypress feel based solely on this factor.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The sound signature of the Holly switch sets it apart from other switches, making it ideal for users looking for a bit of personality in their typing sound. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch produces a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, with a low-pitched tone that is more mellow and bass-heavy compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and preferences, although the Holly switch may appeal more to those seeking a more unique auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, information on the Dareu Holly switch is not available. However, the Durock T1 switch is described as providing a stepped feel, offering a tactile response that feels like it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the T1 switch is noted for its accented tactility, providing a medium amount of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming or subtle. The polished finish of the T1 switch ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and seamless key travel. Overall, the T1 switch offers a comfortable and satisfying typing feel that caters to users who appreciate a tactile response without being too intense.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a distinctive typing experience, while the T1 switch offers a comfortable and tactile feel with a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the balanced and distinctive sound of the Holly switch or the mellow and comfortable feel of the T1 switch, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering a range of sound and feel characteristics to suit different preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it ultimately depends on the typing experience you are looking for. If you value a unique sound signature with a balance of chirpy and clacky elements, as well as a medium actuation force, the Dareu Holly switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock T1 switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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