Dareu Holly vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Jwick Taro offer unique experiences for users seeking a tactile switch. The Dareu Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. While the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Taro falls under 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped' categories. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and the Jwick Taro feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting for added aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sound quality and feel when typing.
On the other hand, the Holly and Taro diverge when it comes to their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when pressing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches adds an extra layer of customization to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Dareu Holly and the Jwick Taro share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharp and clear sound profile. However, they differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing, with the Holly utilizing nylon for a deeper sound and the Taro following suit. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Taro, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. The actuation force of the Holly allows for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Taro provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Holly is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Taro is heavier in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being preferred for prolonged typing and heavier switches for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Holly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Taro. A 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a good balance between responsiveness and depth when pressing the key. On the other hand, a 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, which may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, so in terms of feel and performance, you can expect similar results from both options. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 stands out for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience. The Jwick Taro tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a cozy typing experience with snappy tactility and acute clacks. Both switches fall under the category of neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, and adaptable to various environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly switch information does not provide any specific descriptors. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as providing a buttery and stepped typing sensation. This suggests that the Taro switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, along with a mild tactile feedback that features pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. This characteristic can contribute to a comfortable and consistent typing feel for users.
Overall, the subjective qualities of the Dareu Holly and Jwick Taro tactile switches offer unique experiences in both sound and feel. While the Holly switch emphasizes a distinctive sound profile with chirpy and clacky elements, the Taro switch provides a cozy typing experience with snappy tactility and acute clacks. Both switches exhibit a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for a wide range of users. Additionally, the buttery and stepped feel of the Taro switch adds a level of smoothness and tactility to the typing experience. With these differences considered, users can choose between the switches based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a distinctive typing experience with a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with a snappy tactility and crisp clacks, the Taro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sound and feel profile that best matches your typing preferences.
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