Dareu Holly vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Dareu Holly and the KTT Wine Red. The Dareu Holly switch is a tactile option with a medium 50g actuation force, known for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is a linear switch that offers a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a bassy and low-pitched typing experience. While both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, it's important to delve deeper into their specifics to determine which one would best suit your needs. So, 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Holly and KTT Wine Red have polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through. However, the Holly has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Holly and Wine Red allows for a split in the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. Pressing down on the switch will let you feel the impact of the bottom housing, which has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Holly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile.
In conclusion, while both the Holly and Wine Red feature polycarbonate top housings that create a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material results in distinct sound qualities. The nylon bottom housing of the Holly provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red maintains a sharper and crisper sound. The combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is clear that the Holly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Holly is unknown while the Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red would be the better choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Holly may be preferred for its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Overall, both switches provide a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and smooth linear action.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Holly switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, giving it a distinctive typing experience. The chirpy nature adds a bit of a squeak to the switch, while the clacky aspect provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch is known for its deep and rich sound profile, characterized by a pillowy light feel and bassy, low-pitched tones. Both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, with the Holly catering to those seeking a balanced sound profile and the Wine Red appealing to those looking for a deeper, richer sound.
As for feel, there is currently no information available regarding the tactile qualities of the Dareu Holly switch or the linear characteristics of the KTT Wine Red switch. However, based on the information provided about their sound profiles, it is likely that the Holly offers a medium actuation force with its 50g weight, providing a tactile typing experience, whereas the Wine Red is noted for its pillowy light feel, suggesting a smooth linear action.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer distinct sound profiles tailored to different preferences. The Holly excels in providing a balanced sound with chirpy and clacky elements, while the Wine Red delivers a deeper, richer sound with bassy, low-pitched tones. While more information on the tactile feel of the Holly and the linear feel of the Wine Red would further differentiate the two switches, both are sure to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users seeking unique auditory feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you value a unique sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, then the Holly switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and pillowy typing feel with a rich and deep sound profile, along with a 55g bottom out force, the Wine Red switch is the better choice for you. Consider your typing style, noise level preferences, and bottom out force preference to make the decision that best suits your needs.
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