Dareu Holly vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Dareu Holly and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches, both known for their unique characteristics. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that blends chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile, with a pronounced tactility that adds character to your typing without being overly tactile. While the Holly switch leans towards a neutral sound profile, the Viola Tricolor switch is more accented and bassy, offering an invigorating and low-pitched 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the two switches may also differ in the type of nylon used for their bottom housings.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Holly and Viola Tricolor utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. This contrasts with the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing, showcasing the impact that different materials can have on the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
When considering the split qualities of top and bottom housing materials in a switch, it becomes clear that each part plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The contrasting characteristics of the polycarbonate and nylon materials used in the Dareu Holly and Haimu Viola Tricolor demonstrate how the housing materials can work together to create a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that their actuation and bottom out forces differ. The Holly has a relatively light actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, its bottom out force is unknown, which may be a concern for those who prefer a specific resistance when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressing down on keys. The actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is not provided, but it can be assumed that it may be similar to the Holly given the tactile nature of both switches. Ultimately, the Holly is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Viola Tricolor is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Users who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Holly, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Viola Tricolor.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a traditional travel distance, with the Holly providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Viola Tricolor. Gamers may prefer the Viola Tricolor for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Holly. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance that provides a satisfactory typing experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 brings a unique blend of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your keystrokes. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between sharpness and tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. Depending on your preference for sound, the Holly may be more appealing if you enjoy a mix of chirpy and clacky tones, while the Viola Tricolor may be preferred for its thuddy and punchy sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Holly switch lacks specific descriptors for its tactile feel, so it may offer a more neutral tactile experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as providing an accented and invigorating tactile feel. The Viola Tricolor offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable feedback. If you prefer a tactile switch that offers a pronounced and immersive typing sensation, the Viola Tricolor may be the better choice.
Considering all the available information, both the Dareu Holly and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly provides a mix of chirpy and clacky sounds, while the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its accented and invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, as both can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you enjoy a balanced sound profile and medium tactility, the Holly may be the way to go, while the Viola Tricolor is ideal for those seeking a more pronounced tactile feel and unique sound signature.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a unique sound profile with a mix of chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Holly switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a medium-heavy 63.5g bottom out force, as well as a tactile switch that strikes a balance between providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, then the Viola Tricolor switch is likely the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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