TTC Bluish White vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch. The Bluish White is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, with a snappy sound profile that is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Firefly switch offers a unique take on clicky switches, providing a very quiet typing experience with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy'. While these general descriptions may give you an idea of which switch might be right for you, diving deeper into the specifics will ultimately help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Dareu Firefly have some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Bluish White's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when compared to the Firefly's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings of switches can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. In the case of the Bluish White and the Firefly, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both the TTC Bluish White and the Dareu Firefly use polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. However, the differences in their nylon bottom housings result in variations in sound, with the Bluish White offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Dareu Firefly. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings contribute to a unique typing experience with each switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is clear that the Bluish White switch is the lighter of the two. With an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the TTC Bluish White offers a relatively light typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Bluish White, but its bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates how much pressure is needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Bluish White, while those seeking a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the Dareu Firefly, although the exact comparison is challenging without knowing the Firefly's bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is 3.5mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. The Bluish White offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Firefly provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly being on the longer end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which typically provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is described as chirpy, featuring a unique squeak that sets it apart from other switches. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when looking for a specific sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is characterized as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is noted for its stepped feel, providing a tactile sensation with pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. The switch is subtle in its resistance and polished for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch is highlighted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Bluish White switch provides a satisfyingly poppy sound with a buttery and mild typing experience, the Firefly switch stands out with its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these switches to achieve the desired outcome. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers seeking a tactile switch option.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a poppy and snappy typing experience with a light bottom out force of 50 grams, the Bluish White switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, along with an easy-to-press feel, the Firefly switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what resonates with you the most when selecting your ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
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