Gateron Aliaz vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Firefly mechanical keyboard switches, the decision mainly boils down to the environment and typing preferences. The Aliaz switch is perfect for quiet environments like the office, with its silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying tactile feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly offers a unique take on clicky switches, with a very light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Firefly, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Firefly creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Gateron Aliaz and Dareu Firefly significantly impacts the overall typing experience. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharper and crisper sound profile of the switch, enhancing the tactile feedback when typing. In contrast, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muted typing experience. This difference in sound profile between the two switches showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Dareu Firefly highlight the versatility of housing materials in affecting sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities means that users will experience a mix of sharp, crisp sounds from the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sound from the Firefly's nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. The Aliaz also has a higher bottom out force of 75 grams, while the bottom out force of the Firefly is unavailable. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel, providing consistent feedback and feel while typing. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches as both offer a standard 4mm distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Gateron Aliaz switch provides a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like offices where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a chirpy sound, adding a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. Both switches cater to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, but the Aliaz offers a softer sound compared to the Firefly's hint of clickiness.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key presses and minimal resistance. This enhances the overall smoothness of typing and reduces friction, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feel, but the Aliaz focuses on smoothness while the Firefly prioritizes ease of pressing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz and Dareu Firefly switches offer a quiet typing experience suitable for office or shared environments. While the Aliaz provides a medium-heavy weight feel with a muted sound and a smooth typing experience, the Firefly offers a light actuation force with a chirpy sound and easy-to-press keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. With either switch, users can expect a pleasant typing experience tailored to their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you're looking for a switch that is tailored for quiet environments like the office, and prefer a more substantial feel to each keystroke, the Aliaz switch with its medium-heavy weight and muted sound may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a very light actuation with just a hint of clickiness in a quiet setting, the Firefly switch with its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
