Durock Blue Lotus vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect tactile mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Firefly both offer unique yet compelling options tailored to diverse preferences. The Blue Lotus is celebrated for its striking tactile intensity and quick responsiveness, featuring a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm that enhances its snappiness, making it an ideal choice for users who crave a pronounced tactile feedback during typing. Additionally, its detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding an aesthetic flair to its robust performance. On the other hand, the Firefly by Dareu introduces a new dimension to tactile switches, boasting a quieter profile that minimizes traditional clicky sound while still delivering a light actuation and a gentle hint of clickiness. This makes the Firefly particularly appealing for those who prefer a subtle auditory experience without sacrificing the tactile sensation. Both switches excel in their own right—Blue Lotus for its intensity and visual appeal, and Firefly for its understated yet satisfying feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Firefly, we see notable distinctions in their top housings, which significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which promises a unique and premium feel, reminiscent of the Durock Black Lotus switch. This composite material is likely designed to strike a balance between rigidity and yield, providing a sound that can potentially evoke a smooth and rounded acoustic profile, especially when pressed. In contrast, the Firefly's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The advantage of polycarbonate being translucent also enhances its adaptation to RGB lighting, making it visually appealing while maintaining its acoustic integrity.
Turning to the bottom housing of both switches, they align closely in their material choice: nylon. This classic switch housing material lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties, which absorb sound waves rather than reflecting them. Because both the Blue Lotus and the Firefly utilize nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience when bottoming out the switches. The nylon's inherent qualities will contribute to a rounder and more muted sound, regardless of the differentiation in their top housings. Therefore, while the upper portions exhibit contrasting characteristics that affect sound upon release, the shared nylon material at the base ensures a consistent core experience when actuating the switches.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Firefly delivers a nuanced typing experience. The modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus's top housing contrasts with the polycarbonate used in the Firefly, affecting the way sound is perceived during key releases. However, both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a unified foundation that contributes to their fuller sound profile. By employing different top housings, each switch offers unique auditory qualities while maintaining a similar depth of sound at the bottom, demonstrating how variations in materials can still accommodate comparable results in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, there is a clear difference in actuation force. The Blue Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel that caters well to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Firefly exhibits a lighter touch with an actuation force of only 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who type for extended durations or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is currently unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding its overall feedback when pressed fully. Thus, while the Blue Lotus offers a firmer tactile response, the Firefly presents a lighter option, aligning with individual preferences for actuation strength and typing experience. Ultimately, if lightness is a priority, the Firefly is the better choice, while the Blue Lotus accommodates those who enjoy a heavier keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Firefly tactile switches, the Blue Lotus features a shorter distance of 3.7 mm, while the Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance can impact user experience significantly; those who prefer quicker response times often gravitate towards the shorter option, as it allows for faster actuation, making the Blue Lotus a suitable choice for gamers. In contrast, the Firefly, with its longer travel distance, may appeal more to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and deeper key presses. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness, the Blue Lotus could be the better option, whereas the Firefly is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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 Blue Lotus switches create a deeper, more resonant acoustic profile characterized by a bassy timbre. The rich sound produced during key presses provides an immersive auditory experience that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switches offer a lighter sound signature, described as chirpy, which introduces a subtle squeak with each keystroke. This distinctive sound differentiates the Firefly from traditional clicky switches, providing a quieter yet still engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will influence how these sound profiles manifest, but generally, the Blue Lotus will impress with its deeper resonance while the Firefly appeals to those who prefer a lighter, more subdued auditory feedback.
When assessing the feel of these switches, the Blue Lotus shines with a multi-dimensional tactile experience. Described as accented and snappy, it delivers a pronounced tactile feedback that engages typists without being overwhelming. Additionally, its stepped feel means that the tactile bump has a sense of pre and post-travel, making the typing experience more dynamic and responsive. Conversely, the Firefly switches excel in their ease of use, characterized by gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and promoting an effortless experience. While the Blue Lotus offers a rich tactile feedback, the Firefly prioritizes simplicity and comfort, catering to users who favor a light touch.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Dareu Firefly tactile switches exhibit distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus leans towards a bassy sound and a pronounced tactile feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more immersive experience in both sound and tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Firefly emphasizes a chirpy sound and a lightweight actuation, appealing to users who seek a quieter and less strenuous typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile engagement or typing ease, as both switches deliver enjoyable experiences tailored to different styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Firefly tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile response with a medium-heavy bottom-out force that can enhance your typing experience, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. Its snappiness and accented tactile feedback make it ideal for fast typists and gamers who enjoy a more dynamic feel. Additionally, if you appreciate a deep, resonant sound profile that adds to the atmosphere of your setup, the Blue Lotus’s bassy notes will complement your typing experience well. On the other hand, if comfort and quietness are your priorities, especially during lengthy typing sessions or for a more office-friendly environment, the Firefly may be your go-to switch. Its light actuation and subtle chirpy sound make for a pleasant experience without overwhelming auditory distractions. This makes the Firefly suitable for those who want an easy-to-press, gentle typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. In essence, choose the Blue Lotus for a snappy, tactile feel with rich sound, or opt for the Firefly if you value ease of activation and a quieter typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
