KTT Cream Yellow vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. The Cream Yellow switch is perfect for those who enjoy a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, the Firefly switch offers a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer easy-to-press keys. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Dareu Firefly is in their top housing. Both keyboards use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile when typing. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material mean that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, the key distinction lies in the bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Firefly also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and feel. Both keyboards benefit from the unique properties of nylon, offering a more tactile and satisfying typing experience compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Cream Yellow and the Firefly results in a well-rounded typing experience. The differing properties of the two housing materials complement each other, with the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether users prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon, both keyboards offer a versatile typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch. The Cream Yellow requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out, while the Firefly only needs 40 grams to actuate, with an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Cream Yellow switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The Firefly, on the other hand, offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue can become a factor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly. A shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more in-depth keypress feel. Both switches offer slightly different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow switch offers a distinctively sharp and snappy clacky sound, which is characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive nature when pressed. On the other hand, the Firefly switch provides a quieter and chirpy sound, with just a hint of clickiness and a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. The choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Cream Yellow offering a more traditional clacky sound and the Firefly providing a quieter and lighter actuation experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy typing feel, thanks to its lengthened spring and long-pole stem that provide a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Firefly switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the Cream Yellow switch provides a bouncy and responsive typing feel, while the Firefly switch focuses on offering a low-impact and easy-to-press typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Cream Yellow and Firefly switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Cream Yellow is best suited for those who enjoy a sharp and clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, while the Firefly is ideal for users looking for a quieter and easier-to-press switch with a light actuation force. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so the decision between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch or the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, then the Cream Yellow switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, then the Firefly switch could be the ideal option. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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