Dareu Holly vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The mechanical keyboard market offers a plethora of options to cater to every typing preference, and two switches that stand out are the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, a linear switch. The Dareu Holly switch is praised for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch distinguishes itself with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. This creates a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing typists with a unique and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on individual typing 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, one key difference is the material used in the top housing. The Holly uses polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Holly may produce a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the KTT blend of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Another point of contrast between the two switches is the material used in the bottom housing. The Holly features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK bottom housing, which is exceptionally smooth, clacky, and durable. The POK material surpasses nylon in terms of durability and shock resistance, offering a different typing experience compared to the softer nylon of the Holly. Overall, the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
While the Dareu Holly and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilize different materials in their housing components, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience for users. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Holly may result in a clear and resonant sound profile with a deeper tone, while the proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream offer a high-pitched, clacky sound with exceptional smoothness and durability. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to cater to different preferences in sound and feel, giving users the opportunity to choose the option that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in both aspects. The Holly switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Holly switch is unknown, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully press down. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Vanilla Ice Cream switch more suitable, as it allows for longer typing sessions without strain. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Holly switch for its higher actuation force. Overall, the weight of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for extended use and heavier switches offering a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Holly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. The 0.5 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but for those who prefer a deeper key press, the Holly may be the better option. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly shallower travel distance which could appeal to those looking for a faster response time, like gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly providing a more traditional depth and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a slightly more modern and shallow feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that sets it apart from other switches in the market. Both switches offer a distinct sound profile that caters to different user preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience regardless of choice.
When it comes to feel, information about the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided, but the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is praised for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel. Described as buttery and creamy, these switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing contributes to this smooth and buttery experience, providing typists with a satisfying feel with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. While the Holly excels in offering a distinctive sound profile with a balance of chirpy and clacky elements, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material. Both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a balanced and distinctive sound or a smooth and creamy feel, both switches offer quality options that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a balanced sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, then the Holly switch with its medium 50g actuation force is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a remarkably smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its light 48g bottom out force is the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience.
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