Bsun Cliff vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Firefly both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cliff switches are renowned for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a satisfying feedback when keypresses are registered. In contrast, the Firefly switches provide a softer, more subdued tactile response, leaning towards a lighter actuation with a subtle clickiness, which appeals to those who seek a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. While both switches are categorized under the tactile realm, their distinctive characteristics—such as the Cliff's pronounced tactility and the Firefly's easy-to-press nature—highlight the diversity within tactile switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Firefly both employ polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to this clarity and resonance, making both switches ideal for users looking for precise key presses. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate allows for enhanced visual aesthetics when paired with RGB lighting, creating a vibrant and eye-catching effect. This uniform choice of top housing material ensures that users can expect a high degree of sound accuracy and vibrant lighting effects from both switches.
Conversely, the bottom housing of the Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Firefly diverges in material choice, with both opting for nylon. This classic material is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition, which dampens vibrations and absorbs sound. As a result, while both switches create a crisp sound profile upon key release from the polycarbonate top housing, they generate a warmer and rounder sound during the actuation phase, influenced by the nylon bottom. This contrast between the softer nylon and the stiffer polycarbonate illustrates how each housing contributes distinct characteristics to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Bsun Cliff and Dareu Firefly creates a balanced switching experience. The shared top housing material produces similar bright and crisp sound qualities, while the unique nylon bottom housing allows for distinctive auditory depths during keystrokes. The interplay between these two differing materials highlights how each aspect of the housing contributes to the final auditory outcome, ensuring that regardless of the contrasting elements, both switches deliver a harmonious typing experience that caters to various preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience that can facilitate long periods of use, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the Firefly switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. This indicates that while the Firefly requires a bit more force to activate each keystroke, we cannot compare the overall bottoming out experience due to the missing data. As a result, those who favor a lighter switch would lean towards the Bsun Cliff, while the Dareu Firefly may attract those who enjoy a more pronounced force feedback, assuming they can adapt to its unspecified bottom out dynamic.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Cliff switch may provide a quicker and more responsive feel, which could be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Firefly's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial and hearty depth, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bsun Cliff would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may prefer the Dareu Firefly.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp auditory feedback, which enhances the typist's experience with its pleasing resonance. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a unique acoustic profile that leans away from traditional clicky sounds; instead, it features a chirpy sound with a hint of squeak, which can be quite distinctive. This difference in sound signature might appeal to users who prefer a more subdued typing experience, while the Cliff caters to those who enjoy a sharper auditory response. However, keep in mind that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is known for providing medium tactility, which gives clear feedback upon actuation, making it a reliable choice for typists who appreciate a well-defined keystroke. On the other hand, the Firefly switch is designed for ease of use, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal actuation force. This makes the Firefly particularly suitable for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue and enhances overall comfort. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the Cliff delivers a more pronounced tactile feeling compared to the softer, more effortless actuation of the Firefly.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Dareu Firefly switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cliff is ideal for those who enjoy a crisp sound and medium tactility, while the Firefly appeals to users seeking a quieter, easy-to-press option with a hint of clickiness. Depending on what you prioritize—sound or feel—you can choose between these switches for a tailored keyboard experience. Ultimately, both can greatly enhance your typing experience, but the choice will hinge on your specific preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use case. If you prefer a switch that provides a distinct tactile feedback alongside a crisp sound, the Cliff is a great option, especially since its lighter actuation force of 45 grams allows for quick key presses without feeling overly strenuous. This makes it particularly suitable for typing enthusiasts or gamers who value responsiveness and tactile feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you want a quieter typing experience with a very light actuation and minimal effort required for key presses, the Firefly may be more your style. Its chirpy sound adds a unique character without the typical loud clickiness associated with many tactile switches, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise could be a concern. In summary, choose the Bsun Cliff for a satisfying tactile experience and the Dareu Firefly for a comfortable, subtle, and low-noise typing performance.
Mentioned in this article
