Outemu Crystal vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the Dareu Firefly are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Crystal is a linear switch, offering a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight. With a neutral sound profile, typing on the Crystal switches can be a smooth and consistent process. On the other hand, the Firefly from Dareu is a tactile switch that provides a new take on clicky switches. It offers a quiet typing experience without the classic resonant clicky sound, with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness. While the Crystal switch may appeal to those looking for a linear and consistent typing experience, the Firefly switch could be ideal for those who prefer a tactile feel without the loud clicky sound. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and Dareu Firefly switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while the Crystal's bottom housing also features polycarbonate, the Firefly opts for a nylon bottom housing instead. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for the Firefly switch due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate.
The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal switch ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the key press. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a sharper typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a contrast with its nylon bottom housing, providing a different sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to the Crystal. This showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
In terms of typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Crystal and Dareu Firefly switches can be felt when bottoming out a key. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, with the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly creating a more subdued and full-bodied sound compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound profile. This highlights how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can provide a balanced and versatile typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Crystal also has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Crystal switch a bit lighter overall, providing a more comfortable typing experience for longer periods of time. In contrast, the Firefly switch may offer a lighter initial press but lacks information on the force required to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Crystal switch being the lighter option and the Firefly switch having a potentially unknown force for bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience with both switches. So, whether you choose the Outemu Crystal or the Dareu Firefly, you can expect to have a similar feel when typing.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch also has a chirpy sound but lacks the classic resonant clicky sound typically associated with tactile switches. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience overall, with the Crystal having a more neutral sound compared to the Firefly's light actuation with a hint of clickiness.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel enhances the overall typing experience by offering a sleek feel with each keypress. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Crystal provides a linear typing experience with a chirpy and high-pitched sound, the Firefly offers a tactile typing experience with a light actuation and easy-to-press feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards have options to explore based on their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium-light weight and neutral sound profile, then the Crystal switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a very light actuation force with a hint of clickiness, minimal finger fatigue, and a quiet typing experience, then the Firefly switch might be more suited to your taste. Consider the sound profile, feel, and typing experience you desire before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on your individual needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
