Dareu Holly vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are distinct qualities that set them apart. The Dareu Holly offers a unique sound signature with chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users seeking a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth feel and high-pitched clack, thanks to the UHWMPE housings that enhance the typing experience. While the Holly is known for its chirpy and clacky sound, the Tangerine offers a buttery and polished typing experience with its linear switch design. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the TKC Tangerine both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing, which offers a very bright sound signature. While the polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clarity in sound, the UHWMPE material in the Tangerine brings out resonant clacks when typing. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting, while the UHWMPE top housing adds a modern touch to the overall design.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dareu Holly utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature, contributing to the resonant clacks experienced when typing on switches with such housings. Both housing materials bring their own unique qualities to the switches, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the TKC Tangerine, it's clear that each material contributes distinct characteristics to the sound profile of the switches. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Holly creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine offers a very bright sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Holly provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine adds to the bright and resonant clacks when typing. Despite their differences, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Tangerine's unknown actuation force. This means that the Holly may be easier to trigger, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Tangerine is heavier at 62 grams, while the Holly's bottom out force is unavailable. This indicates that the Tangerine may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether one values a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier feel for a more impactful typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that they offer the same tactile experience when pressed. Despite being different types of switches, they both provide a consistent amount of travel distance for users to feel as they type. This means that whether you choose the Holly or the Tangerine, you can expect a similar tactile feel in terms of 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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users seeking a bit of flair in their sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a higher-pitched clack when typing, giving a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, individuals may lean towards the chirpy and clacky sound of the Holly or the high-pitched sound of the Tangerine to suit their typing style.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided, making it harder to compare directly with the TKC Tangerine linear switch. The Tangerine switch, known for its frictionless and buttery keystrokes, offers an incredibly smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, ensuring a fluid and effortless feel with each press. This difference in feel can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Tangerine switch providing a luxurious and seamless sensation as opposed to the tactile feel of the Holly switch.
Taking into account the information provided on sound and feel, it is clear that the Dareu Holly tactile switch and TKC Tangerine linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of auditory feedback and typing sensation. The Holly switch shines with its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile, while the Tangerine switch excels in providing a high-pitched clack and frictionless, buttery keystrokes. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience accordingly. Ultimately, both switches offer quality attributes that can elevate the overall typing experience, providing users with a customized and enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prioritize a unique sound signature with a blend of chirpy and clacky elements, then the Holly may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you value sound or feel more in your mechanical keyboard switches. Consider what aspects are most important to you for an optimal typing experience.
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