Keygeek Briny vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Keygeek Briny and the Dareu Firefly can significantly impact your typing experience. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an appealing option for those seeking smoother keystrokes without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly offers a unique approach to tactile switches, featuring a very light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness, appealing to users who appreciate some feedback without the louder, classic click sound that often accompanies tactile options. While both switches provide distinct advantages—whether you prefer the silent fluidity of the Briny or the nuanced feedback of the Firefly—it's essential to consider your personal typing style and 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
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
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Dareu Firefly, we observe a significant distinction in the composition of their top housings. The Briny utilizes nylon, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which helps absorb sound. This characteristic results in a more rounded acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the Firefly employs polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity, leading to a higher-pitched and crisper auditory effect. Thus, when typing on these switches, users will experience different sound profiles that stem from the inherent qualities of the materials used in the top housing.
Both the Briny and Firefly share nylon as their bottom housing material, which showcases a moment of similarity amidst their differences. As with the Briny, the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by its capacity to absorb sound effectively. The impact of this nylon housing becomes apparent during the bottom-out phase of a keystroke, as the softer material cushions the sound produced, leading to a more muted and pleasant typing experience. Because both switches utilize this same material for their bottom housings, they will provide a consistent tactile feedback and similar auditory dampening, making for a unified performance beneath the keypress.
The interaction of the top and bottom housings significantly influences the overall typing experience of both switches. In the case of the Keygeek Briny, the dual presence of nylon in both the top and bottom offers a harmonious sound environment with deeper tones throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Dareu Firefly achieves a unique blend by combining a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom, creating a juxtaposition of sound characteristics. The polycarbonate enhances the initial release sound while the nylon modulates the bottom-out tone, offering a more dynamic auditory experience. Ultimately, while both switches feature the same bottom housing, their different top materials lead to distinctive sensations in terms of sound and feel, catering to varied user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch with the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Firefly offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This makes the Firefly a preferable choice for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue during long usage. However, the bottom-out force for the Firefly remains unknown, making it difficult to evaluate how it compares in that regard. The Briny's bottom-out force is 60 grams, providing a solid, substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and robust typing experience. Overall, while the Firefly offers a lighter actuation force, the Briny has a heavier bottom-out force, suggesting that users will get different tactile experiences based on their preferences for key resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, we find notable differences that may influence user preference. The Keygeek Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option that caters to gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which may appeal to users who favor a more pronounced feel and depth in their typing experience. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Firefly’s slightly longer travel distance provides a more robust keystroke, whereas the Briny's shorter distance may feel snappier and quicker for fast-paced activities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prefers the swiftness of the Briny or the depth of the Firefly.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, which typically results in a quieter operation compared to more tactile or clicky switches. It avoids any pronounced auditory feedback, making it suitable for environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch presents a unique sound experience with its light actuation and a distinct chirpy quality. This chirpy sound adds a subtle acoustic dimension, though it is notably quiet compared to traditional clicky switches. Both switches, however, are influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, which means that the final sound profile can vary based on user preferences.
When considering the feel, the Briny’s linear design likely provides a smooth and consistent keypress experience, free from any tactile bumps or resistance that would be felt in more tactile designs. This creates a seamless typing action, appealing to those who favor uninterrupted keystrokes. Conversely, the Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing light resistance that makes typing comfortable and less fatiguing over long periods. The slight tactile feedback gives a satisfying response without being overly prominent, allowing for a blend of comfort and engagement during use. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences—smooth versus responsive—they can both enhance the typing experience based on what the user values more.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Briny and Dareu Firefly switches cater to distinct user preferences with their sound and feel characteristics. The Briny’s balanced acoustics and smooth operation contrast with the Firefly’s quiet chirpy sound and easy actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes a consistent linear feel or a softer tactile experience with some pleasant auditory feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to various typing styles, ensuring that users can find satisfaction in either option depending on their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a balanced sound profile with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny switch may be more suited for you. This switch offers a satisfying linear feel, ideal for gamers who appreciate a smooth keystroke without any tactile bumps or clicks. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter, more responsive typing experience with an easy-to-press design, the Firefly is an excellent choice. Its subtle clickiness and low actuation force make it particularly appealing for those who spend long hours typing, as it minimizes finger fatigue while still providing the gratifying feedback of a tactile switch. Ultimately, consider how crucial sound, feel, and actuation force are to your typing and gaming styles to make the best choice for yourself.
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