Dareu Holly vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and Durock White Lotus switches are both tactile switches that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, offering a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed for the discerning typist, featuring a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches come with a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. While these general points provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, delving deeper into their specific features and nuances is crucial for making the best decision on which switch suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Durock White Lotus both feature polycarbonate top housings, which help create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material used in these housings is known for being relatively stiff, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate, the way they are designed and manufactured may result in slight variations in sound and feel.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Dareu Holly and the Durock White Lotus feature nylon materials. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housings in these switches contribute to creating a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
While both switches share similarities in housing materials, the division of qualities between the top and bottom housings can have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when a key is released. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the switch's overall performance can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Holly has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus with 46 grams, making the Holly a bit heavier in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the White Lotus at 56 grams is higher than that of the Holly, which is unknown. This suggests that the White Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. In considering the weight of the two switches, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the White Lotus for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Holly for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will get a similar feeling of travel distance. However, it is important to note that while both switches have the same travel distance, they may still feel different in terms of actuation force and overall typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a 4 mm travel distance, both the Dareu Holly and the Durock White Lotus switches would be suitable options.
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 White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 with its chirpy and clacky elements, offering a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. The combination of these qualities creates a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch features a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of users and environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly tactile switch does not have specific descriptors available. However, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch also provides a mild and subtle typing experience, with qualities that appeal to a wide range of users seeking a responsive and low-impact feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a distinctive typing experience with its chirpy and clacky sound elements, while the White Lotus switch is praised for its low-pitched sound and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, you can choose between the balanced and distinctive qualities of the Holly switch or the gentle and mellow characteristics of the White Lotus switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying tactile typing experience for users looking for quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you desire a medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter 56g actuation force, a delicate tactility that is easy-to-press, and a low-pitched sound profile, the Durock White Lotus switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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