Dareu Holly vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and the HC Studio Roselle stand out as popular options within their respective categories. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch, offers an incredibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the Holly is ideal for users seeking a tactile typing experience with a mix of chirpy and clacky feedback, the Roselle is perfect for those looking for a smooth and frictionless keystroke with a low-pitched sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the HC Studio Roselle, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective top housing materials. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Roselle's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Holly is known for its clear and resonant sound, the POM top housing of the Roselle offers an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that leans towards a deeper tonality.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches also have distinct qualities. The Holly's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Roselle's POM bottom housing contributes to a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Both bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed, offering a different tactile experience based on their material composition.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Holly and HC Studio Roselle differ, they both aim to provide users with a unique typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of qualities that impact the sound and feel of the switch. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Holly or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Roselle, each housing material brings its own characteristics to the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Roselle is 52 grams, while the bottom out force for the Holly is unknown. This means that the Roselle requires a bit more force to fully press down the key compared to the Holly. In terms of weight, the Roselle is slightly heavier overall. When considering preferences for typing or gaming, those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Roselle for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Holly for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to individual preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is clear that the Holly has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm. The Holly offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Roselle falls on the shallower end. Gamers may lean towards the Roselle for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may prefer the Holly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 is known for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a distinct and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone during key presses. Both switches fall within the neutral sound profile category, making them suitable for various typing preferences, although the Holly leans towards a brighter sound while the Roselle offers a deeper sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Holly switch information regarding the tactile feel is not provided. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience. The Roselle switch offers an incredibly smooth and effortless key press, with minimal resistance or friction, providing users with a fluid typing experience. The mild characteristics of the Roselle switch make it accessible to a wide range of users, as it strikes a balance between different typing preferences.
Overall, both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch provides a distinctive sound profile with a balanced typing experience, while the Roselle switch delivers a smooth and mellow sound with a frictionless typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the chirpy and clacky elements of the Holly switch or the low-pitched and frictionless feel of the Roselle switch. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in sound and feel with either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy feel, the Roselle switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience.
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