Durock Black Lotus vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Firefly. The Black Lotus is a linear switch known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making it a favorite for those who prioritize typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight and reduced wobble, it offers a satisfying experience for users. On the other hand, the Firefly from Dareu is a tactile switch that offers a unique take on clicky switches. It provides a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own set of qualities that make them appealing, but ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Firefly can be compared and contrasted based on their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both housings have their own distinct characteristics, they both contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying sound feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Firefly use nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that adds a sense of tactility to typing on these switches. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the two switches may still provide slightly different typing experiences depending on the overall design and construction of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on that particular switch. While the Black Lotus and Firefly share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, their top housings differ in terms of composition and resulting sound profiles. Whether it's the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus or the polycarbonate of the Firefly, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience. Users can expect a satisfying sound feedback and tactile response from both switches, albeit with slight variations based on the specific materials used in their construction.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus is the heavier of the two. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Firefly is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, but unfortunately, the bottom out force is unknown. When it comes to choosing between the two, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might opt for the Black Lotus. Ultimately, weight preferences play a significant role in determining which switch is the better fit for individual typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar typing experiences in terms of key press depth with both switches. Since the travel distances are equal, there is no shorter or longer option between the two switches. Overall, the similar travel distances of the Black Lotus and Firefly switches make them comparable in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for being quiet and providing a smooth typing experience without any clicky sounds. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a unique "chirpy" sound, adding a hint of character to each keystroke. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus is often described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Firefly switch is known for being easy to press, providing a gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Black Lotus focusing on smoothness and precision, while the Firefly emphasizes ease of typing with its light actuation force.
Taking into consideration the information provided, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Black Lotus may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of unique sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Firefly switch could be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, you should consider your preference for actuation weight and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation weight with a silky smooth feel and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience, the Firefly switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure the best keyboard switch for your needs.
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