Aflion Panda vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Firefly stand out as top choices for those looking for a tactile typing experience. The Panda, with its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, is perfect for those who value a responsive tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Firefly offers a unique take on clicky switches with a quiet actuation and just a hint of clickiness, making it ideal for those seeking a light and easy-to-press typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Firefly feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing look. This similarity in housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and overall feel.
On the other hand, the Panda and the Firefly differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Panda using a nylon bottom housing while the Firefly also opts for nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that provides a different tactile experience for users of both switches. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches maintain a similar level of sound consistency due to the nylon material used.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience of a switch, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of selecting the right combination of housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile and tactile response for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Firefly's 40 grams, making the Firefly the lighter option between the two. The Panda also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of the Panda provides a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter actuation force of the Firefly may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a tactile experience, with the Panda being slightly heavier overall in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Firefly tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of a keyboard using either of these switches, users can expect to feel a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. With both switches having identical travel distances, users can expect to receive similar tactile feedback and typing experiences when using keyboards equipped with either switch. Ultimately, whether choosing the Panda or the Firefly, users can rest assured that they will get consistent results in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
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 Aflion Panda switch offers a resonant and deep "thocky" sound profile, giving typists a satisfying auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch provides a quieter typing experience with a subtle hint of chirpy clickiness. While the Panda is more immersive and deep in sound, the Firefly offers a light and soft click that is less intrusive. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference based on the desired typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is known for its invigorating and accented tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly tactile typing experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch offers an easy-to-press actuation with minimal force required for key presses, promoting a comfortable and effortless typing feel. The Panda switch emphasizes a moderate to firm actuation force for a responsive typing sensation, while the Firefly switch focuses on reducing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences suited to different typing styles and preferences.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Dareu Firefly switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch delivers a deep and resonant sound with an invigorating tactile feel, ideal for users who appreciate a hyper-tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Firefly switch offers a quieter typing experience with easy-to-press actuation, perfect for those seeking a gentler and more low-impact typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound, the Panda switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation with just a hint of clickiness and a quieter typing experience, the Firefly switch from Dareu would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best decision for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
