Dareu Holly vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and SP-Star RedBlue offer unique experiences for users. The Holly, known for its tactile feedback, boasts a 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. This switch is perfect for those seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switch provides a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. It is categorized as mild, thocky, and polished, making it suitable for users looking for a smooth and refined typing feel. 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
57g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star RedBlue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. However, the Holly's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material could impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
The contrasting housing materials of the top and bottom housings between the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star RedBlue offer unique qualities to each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Holly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. This split in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star RedBlue showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical keyboards. While both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate result in differences in sound and feel. The choice between a deeper, fuller sound with nylon or a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate bottom housing can significantly impact the overall typing experience. Understanding the effects of different housing materials allows users to tailor their keyboard preferences to suit their individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there is a noticeable contrast in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. In contrast, the RedBlue linear switch has a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience by requiring a stronger push feel. The Holly switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the RedBlue switch's actuation force is unknown. Despite these differences, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, making them suitable options for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, it is clear that they will provide a similar tactile feel and actuation experience. Both switches offer a standard travel distance that is neither too short nor too long, providing a comfortable typing or gaming experience for users. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key response and actuation regardless of which switch they choose. In conclusion, both the Dareu Holly and SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a comfortable travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally reliable choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a relatively low-pitched sound profile, which can be appealing to those who prefer a mellower tone. While the Holly switch leans towards a more pronounced and sharp sound profile, the RedBlue switch offers a smoother and more mellow typing experience.
When it comes to feel, unfortunately, there is no available information about the subjective qualities of the Dareu Holly tactile switch. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. Additionally, the RedBlue switch is noted for its polished feel, providing a smooth and refined key travel, which can enhance the overall typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a unique and distinctive sound profile, the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more mellow typing experience with a polished feel, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch would be a great choice. Both switches offer their own set of subjective qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a unique sound signature with elements of chirpy and clacky sounds, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile, a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, and a mild and polished typing experience, the RedBlue switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience suits you best, whether it's a balance of distinctive sounds or a smooth, gentle typing feel.
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