Kailh Box Royal vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Firefly mechanical keyboard switches, both offering a unique tactile experience for users. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, making it an excellent choice for those who crave an aggressive tactile feedback. With a relatively higher pitched sound profile, these switches provide a distinct typing experience categorized as 'Sharp' and 'High-pitched'. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch introduces a fresh approach to clicky switches by offering a quiet operation without the traditional clicky sound. Featuring a light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy'. When choosing between these two switches, consider whether you prefer a bold and pronounced tactility with the Box Royal or a quieter yet still satisfying typing experience with the Dareu Firefly. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Firefly, the most significant difference lies in the top housing material. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material ultimately leads to distinct sound experiences for users of each switch.
On the other hand, both the Box Royal and Dareu Firefly feature a nylon bottom housing. This shared housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. The similarities in bottom housing material between the two switches may result in comparable bottom-out sound and feel experiences for users. Despite potential variations in other aspects of the switches, such as spring stiffness or stem design, the nylon bottom housing maintains consistency in sound characteristics for both the Box Royal and Firefly.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Firefly plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience for users. While the Box Royal offers a deeper sound with its nylon top housing, the Firefly provides a sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a mechanical switch can greatly impact the overall typing feel and sound output, making them a key consideration for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch with 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Box Royal a medium-heavy switch in terms of overall force required for typing. The actuation force is crucial for initiating keystrokes, while the bottom out force is important for the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Firefly more appealing for extended typing sessions, while individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Box Royal for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize fast response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Firefly provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Firefly being slightly longer than the Box Royal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal switch is best suited for those who prefer a high-pitched and sharp sound when typing, providing a crisp auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a quieter experience with a unique chirpy sound, distinct from the traditional clicky switches. Depending on your preference for sound profile, the Box Royal offers a more aggressive and intense auditory experience, while the Firefly provides a more subtle and gentle clickiness.
As for the feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is noted for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and distinct tactile bump with each key press. This intense feedback is ideal for those who prefer a highly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch is designed to be easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force provides a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Box Royal offers a more intense and pronounced tactile feedback, while the Firefly provides a smoother and easier typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Royal switch and the Dareu Firefly switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Firefly offers a quieter chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, catering to individuals who prefer a smoother and more subtle typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Box Royal being more intense and the Firefly offering a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Firefly tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more aggressive and sharp tactility with a higher pitch sound profile, then the Box Royal switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter switch with a light actuation force and a unique chirpy sound, then the Dareu Firefly switches would be a better fit. Consider how you like your keyboards to feel and sound, and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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