Aflion Blush vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush, a linear switch, to the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Blush is renowned for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring, while also offering a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Firefly stands out for its quiet and light actuation, with a subtle hint of clickiness that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. Both switches have their own appeal, with the Blush being ideal for those who prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, while the Firefly caters to those who enjoy an easy-to-press key with a chirpy feel. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Dareu Firefly both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Blush and Firefly differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Blush uses nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Firefly also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound characteristics as the Blush.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, the Blush and Firefly share similar sound qualities due to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when pressed, with the top housing material making a significant impact on the sound when the key is released. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, although the specific nuances of that sound may differ slightly between the two. Overall, while the housing materials may vary between the Blush and Firefly, their resulting sound profiles are likely to be more similar than different due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Blush and Firefly allows for a clear, translucent appearance that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. This material not only enhances the visual appeal of the switches but also plays a crucial role in creating a distinct sound profile that is sharper and more resonant. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches adds a tactile element to typing, providing a deeper and fuller sound experience that resonates with users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Overall, the combination of materials used in the housing of the Blush and Firefly contributes to a unique typing experience that balances sound quality, aesthetics, and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is clear that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Blush is the heavier of the two switches when it comes to bottom out force. However, since the actuation force of the Blush is not specified, we cannot directly compare it to the Firefly in that aspect. In terms of preference, those who enjoy a stronger push may lean towards the Blush for its heavier bottom out force, while those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Firefly more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Firefly has a longer travel distance compared to the Blush. The 3.3 mm distance of the Blush falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a good choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Firefly provides a bit more depth and may feel more satisfying for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
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 Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound quality, giving a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is described as chirpy, adding a unique squeak element to each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blush providing a more subdued tone and the Firefly adding a touch of whimsicality to the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is renowned for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. On the contrary, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is highlighted for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle resistance during key presses. While the Blush excels in delivering a luxurious and frictionless typing experience, the Firefly focuses on reducing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer contrasting tactile feedback that caters to individual preferences, with the Blush focusing on smoothness and the Firefly prioritizing ease of use.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush offers a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy, silky typing experience, the Firefly brings a chirpy sound signature and an easy-to-press feel to the table. Whether you prefer a more mellow typing sound with a luxurious feel or a unique clicky sound with minimal resistance, both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Firefly will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prioritize a smooth, snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, along with a creamy, silky, or buttery typing experience, the Blush switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a quiet, chirpy typing sound, the Firefly switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it's all about personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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