Dareu Holly vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Holly and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The Dareu Holly switch is a tactile switch known for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that does not have a specific standout feature. The Holly switch is ideal for those who prefer a tactile feedback while typing, whereas the Spring Breeze switch is more suited for users who enjoy the audible clicky sound while typing. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Outemu Spring Breeze differ in their housing materials, with the Holly featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Spring Breeze has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holly creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Dareu Holly and Outemu Spring Breeze feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch, the nylon material contributes to the overall typing experience by enhancing the sound profile of both the Holly and the Spring Breeze switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and Outemu Spring Breeze play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Holly's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile by absorbing more sound. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, the qualities of each material impact the typing experience and sound production of these switches, providing users with distinct options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is clear that the Holly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Spring Breeze is heavier at 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. Both switches offer a light actuation force, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Spring Breeze due to its heavier bottom out force, providing a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are both 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Holly or the Spring Breeze, you can expect a consistent travel distance experience. In terms of travel distance, they are both equal, providing a similar tactile feedback and experience for users.
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 Outemu Spring Breeze comes in at $3.10 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
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its medium 50g actuation force and distinctive sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel are currently unknown. However, based on the available information, the Holly switch seems to cater to users looking for a balanced and somewhat playful typing experience, while the Spring Breeze switch offers a different typing experience that is yet to be detailed. Ultimately, individual preferences will play a significant role in choosing between these two switches, and trying out both options on different keyboards and keycaps will provide a better understanding of which switch works best for personal needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the following guidelines: If you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch with its medium 50g actuation force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light 55g bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a different sound profile, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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