Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer switch evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its translucent green design, offering a refreshingly lightweight typing experience with a stepped tactility for a subtler feel. Additionally, it is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch provides a quiet alternative with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, perfect for those who prefer a softer 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
While both the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Firefly feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, they differ in their bottom housings. The Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, continuing to enhance the clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Firefly incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This contrast in bottom housing material results in a noticeable difference in the typing experience between the two switches.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Firefly offers the benefits of translucency for RGB lighting and a clear and resonant sound profile. This similarity in top housing material means that users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on either switch, with a sharp and crisp sound quality. However, where the switches diverge is in the materials used for the bottom housing. While the Beer maintains its polycarbonate composition for the bottom housing, the Firefly opts for the softer nylon material, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound profile when bottoming out keys.
In summary, both the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Firefly feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp and clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, their differences lie in the materials used for the bottom housing. The Beer maintains consistency with a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the clear and resonant sound profile throughout the typing experience. In contrast, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding a different tactile feel to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in terms of both forces. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force noted as None grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Beer make it ideal for those who prefer a light typing feel and may benefit those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Firefly, with its slightly higher actuation force and unknown bottom out force, may provide a stronger push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, weight considerations play a significant role in choosing the right switch for individual preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Firefly provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or other tasks. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly being on the longer side and the Beer being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference for response speed versus keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is described as chirpy, with a unique squeak to them. While the Beer offers a loud and crisp sound, the Firefly provides a quieter and more distinctive auditory experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to varying preferences, with the Beer leaning towards a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound and the Firefly offering a more novel approach.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Beer and Dareu Firefly switches are described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. However, the Beer switch is noted for its stepped tactility, offering a more subtle tactile feedback compared to the Firefly. The Firefly, on the other hand, provides a hint of clickiness alongside its ease of pressing. Overall, both switches offer a responsive and low-impact typing feel, with the Beer offering a different tactile experience with its stepped feel compared to the Firefly's smoother keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer and Dareu Firefly switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer provides a clacky sound with a stepped tactile feel, while the Firefly offers a chirpy sound with a smoother keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience. Keep in mind that the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and personal preference will also play a role in determining the overall typing experience you'll receive from either switch. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique stepped tactility with a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a very quiet switch with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing experience and the specific qualities that you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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