Kailh Box Navy vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Dareu Firefly offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a robust typing experience with a loud and satisfying clicky sound, the Box Navy switches are an excellent choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a light actuation and subtle clickiness, the Dareu Firefly switch is a great option. Both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
90g
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
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Firefly 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, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Despite both switches using the same material for their top housing, the unique design and construction of each switch may still produce slightly different sound characteristics.
In contrast, the Box Navy and Firefly employ different materials for their bottom housing, with the Box Navy featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Firefly also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Although both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the specific design and layout of each switch may still affect the overall typing experience.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housing of a switch. While the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced and dynamic typing experience, with each material contributing to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Box Navy requires 90 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Box Navy is the heavier option, providing a more substantial typing experience. The Firefly, on the other hand, is lighter, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance at 3.6 mm compared to the Firefly's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Box Navy may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the longer travel distance of the Firefly may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired. Both switches offer unique benefits, and while each may have a different travel distance, both can provide a satisfactory typing experience depending on individual needs.
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 Navy 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 Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a high-pitched sound profile and a clean, sharp clicky sound reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch provides a chirpy and quiet typing experience, with a light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy being more immersive and intense, while the Firefly is more understated and gentle.
As for the feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a pronounced tactile bump, firm actuation force, and a reactive typing sensation. On the contrary, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press and provides gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate and resulting in a comfortable and low-impact typing experience. While the Box Navy switch offers a more intense and forceful typing feel, the Firefly switch focuses on effortless and comfortable typing with less finger fatigue during extended use.
When considering the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it's evident that they offer contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy and resonant typing experience with a sharp clicky sound, while the Firefly is suitable for users who prefer a quieter and easier typing feel with a subtle clickiness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound intensity, tactile feedback, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch or the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud and resonant clicky sound signature, the Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a quieter typing experience with just a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly switches would be more suited to your preferences. Consider the type of sound and feel you prefer in a keyboard switch, as well as how much force you like to exert during typing, in order to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing preferences.
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