Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Firefly offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Its typing experience is described as subdued, creamy, and polished. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and subtle clickiness. It is categorized as easy-to-press and chirpy. Both switches have their own appeal depending on individual preferences. 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
46g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Firefly feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of this material results in a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. In contrast, while the Aqua King (V3) also has a polycarbonate bottom housing for consistent sound qualities throughout the switch, the Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This material choice in the Firefly gives a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience.
One key difference between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Firefly is the housing material used for their bottom housing. The Aqua King (V3) maintains consistency with a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a coherent sound profile from top to bottom. On the other hand, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a more muffled and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate material. This contrast highlights how material choice can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Firefly play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Aqua King (V3) offers consistency with a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the crisp sound qualities throughout each keystroke. Alternatively, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, highlighting the impact of material choice on the overall typing sensation. Ultimately, understanding the properties of different housing materials can help enthusiasts tailor their keyboard preferences to suit their desired sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Firefly's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is also heavier at 62 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. The Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Firefly's lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a travel distance of 4 mm. This ensures a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. So, whether you opt for the Aqua King (V3) linear switch or the Firefly tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is known for its subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound with a unique squeak, setting it apart from traditional clicky switches. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, these sound profiles can be further influenced.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is highlighted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Both switches offer distinct tactile and smooth typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feedback.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is evident that they provide unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a frictionless and polished typing experience, with a subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Firefly offers an easy-to-press tactile feel with a chirpy sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feedback and sound profiles. Whether you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience with the Aqua King (V3) or a light and clicky feel with the Firefly, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound, then the Aqua King (V3) is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a hint of clickiness and minimal sound, then the Firefly switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are looking for.
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