Durock Dolphin vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Firefly. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that offers a new take on clicky switches. While very quiet, it still retains a light actuation with just a hint of clickiness. Both switches have their unique qualities, with the Dolphin being polished, muted, and low-pitched and the Firefly being easy-to-press and chirpy. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, but 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Firefly share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the overall design. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Dolphin featuring nylon and the Firefly also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches in the Durock Dolphin and Dareu Firefly affects the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed. The impact of the bottom housing material is more prominent on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile provided by nylon. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the sharpness and clarity associated with polycarbonate. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of both materials to create a well-rounded sound profile.
In conclusion, while the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Firefly share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the distinction in the bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Dolphin's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, while the Firefly's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience that highlights the characteristics of their respective housing materials to cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams. The Dolphin provides a medium-weight typing experience, with no specified actuation force, while the Firefly offers a lighter actuation force but lacks information on the bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Dolphin may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Dolphin being heavier in terms of bottom out force and the Firefly being lighter in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for switches, with the Dolphin being slightly shorter and the Firefly slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both switches provide a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a chirpy sound that adds a unique touch to your typing sessions. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Dolphin focusing on a softer and more bass-heavy tone, while the Firefly offers a hint of clickiness that sets it apart from other switches.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by its polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This results in reduced friction and enhanced key travel, making each keystroke feel precise and satisfying. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Overall, the Dolphin emphasizes a balanced feel with a bit more resistance, while the Firefly prioritizes a responsive and low-impact typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin provides a muted and low-pitched sound with a polished feel, ideal for those seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Firefly offers a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, catering to individuals looking for a unique auditory experience and effortless typing. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality performance that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter, polished feel or a chirpy, easy-to-press typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider the environment you'll be using the keyboard in and your personal preference for actuation force. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and prefer a medium actuation force, the Dolphin switch is the way to go. It's perfect for office settings or shared workspaces where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light and clicky feel with minimal resistance, the Firefly switch could be your ideal choice. Its unique clickiness adds a touch of character to your typing experience while maintaining a quiet profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and the setting in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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