Dareu Holly vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Red, a linear switch. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring for a bouncy and responsive typing feel, with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke for a satisfying and substantial typing experience. While the Holly offers a mix of chirpy and clacky sounds, the WS Red provides a classic sound signature. 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
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Wuque Studio WS Red both utilize different materials for their housing components, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. In contrast, the WS Red incorporates a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in material contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Holly offering a more clear and resonant sound, while the WS Red provides a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Holly and the WS Red opt for nylon material. This choice results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is evident in both the Holly and the WS Red, showcasing the importance of housing material on the overall sound and tactile feedback of a switch.
Overall, while the Dareu Holly and the Wuque Studio WS Red have different top housing materials, they both share the use of nylon for the bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, with the nylon material absorbing sound to create a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the bottom out force for the Holly switch is unknown, which may make it difficult to determine the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red linear switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Holly switch, while those looking for a more robust typing feel may lean towards the WS Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly being slightly longer than the WS Red. Gamers who prioritize speed and faster response times may prefer the WS Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Holly. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is preferred for a more satisfying 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 Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 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 tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinctive typing experience that stands out from others. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch provides a more classic sound signature thanks to its material blend, delivering a satisfying and weightier typing feel with its heavier actuation force. Both switches offer a different sound profile that can cater to individual preferences, with the Holly offering a more unique and balanced sound, while the WS Red delivers a more substantial and responsive typing experience.
As for feel, specific descriptions for both the Holly and WS Red switches are not provided. However, based on the information given, it can be inferred that the Holly switch may offer a tactile and responsive typing feel due to its medium actuation force, catering to users looking for a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch with its double-stage spring and heavier actuation force is likely to provide a bouncier and more substantial feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is subjective and can vary based on personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a distinctive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a more classic sound profile with a heavier actuation force, providing a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience. Experimenting with different switches on various boards and keycaps can further customize and optimize the typing experience to suit personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer unique typing experiences suited for different preferences. If you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a medium actuation force and a unique sound signature, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force and a satisfying weight to each keystroke, the WS Red switch could be more suitable. Consider your typing style and preferences in terms of sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Holly and WS Red switches boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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