Kailh Box Jade vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Firefly. The Box Jade is a clicky switch that offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Firefly from Dareu is a tactile switch that provides a very light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness without the loud resonant sound typical of clicky switches. If you prefer a more invigorating and accented typing experience, the Box Jade might be the one for you. However, if you value a quieter and easier-to-press switch with a chirpy feel, the Firefly could be your ideal choice. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and Dareu Firefly both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting purposes. On the other hand, while the Box Jade and Firefly both use nylon for their bottom housing, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the Kailh Box Jade and Dareu Firefly offer different bottom housing experiences with their use of nylon. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience - the qualities of the bottom housing are felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This creates a dynamic typing experience that combines the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate with the deeper, fuller sound profile of nylon. Overall, both switches offer a blend of qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
In summary, the Kailh Box Jade and Dareu Firefly demonstrate how the combination of housing materials can influence the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the use of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The differences in material properties between polycarbonate and nylon create unique typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer a combination of qualities that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Firefly's 40 grams, making the Firefly the lighter option in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade also has a heavier force of 60 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. The Box Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a satisfying key press. On the other hand, the Firefly offers a lighter actuation force, which may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch. The Box Jade offers a slightly quicker keystroke due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Firefly provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer their own advantages based on travel distance, with the Box Jade being shorter and the Firefly being longer in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp click with each keystroke. This sound signature is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, adding a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch is characterized by a chirpy sound, featuring a subtle squeak that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the accompanying keyboard setup.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience. The tactile bumps on these switches are prominent but not overwhelming, offering a medium amount of tactility that enhances feedback during typing. This tactile sensation, combined with a moderate to firm actuation force, creates a responsive and immersive typing feel for users. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force requires minimal effort to activate keys, making typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that caters to different typing preferences, providing a range of options for users to choose from.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade switch and the Dareu Firefly switch each bring their own distinct qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, combined with an accented and invigorating tactile feel, perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Firefly switch offers a chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, catering to users looking for a quieter typing experience with light actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, allowing newcomers to explore and find the switch that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and strong tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be a great choice for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide an invigorating typing sensation that many enthusiasts enjoy. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a light actuation force and just a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly switches may be more suitable for you. The chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel of the Firefly switches offer a unique typing experience that is worth considering if you value a quieter keyboard. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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