Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer different experiences for users. The Firefly is a tactile switch known for its quiet actuation and light clickiness, making it easy to press with just a hint of sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black is a linear switch that provides a more substantive typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom-out force. While the Firefly is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the G Pro 3.0 Black is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', 'Silky', and 'Subtle'. If you're looking for a switch that is quiet and light with a touch of clickiness, the Firefly may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the better choice. 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
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. The use of a clear housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it visually appealing. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While not overly sharp, the sound is satisfying and unique in its own way.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Firefly uses nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. This contrasts with the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM is known for producing a unique sound that is pleasing to the ears and provides a different typing experience compared to nylon.
While both switches have different materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities each material brings are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. This distinction highlights how the housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch, making each key press a unique and tactile experience for the user.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Black is 70 grams, making it heavier in that aspect as well. The Firefly does not have a listed bottom out force, so it's unclear how it compares in that regard. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of force for users to choose based on their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive when pressed. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Their identical travel distances indicate that both switches will provide a consistent feel and feedback, making them suitable for gaming or typing tasks where precision and speed are essential.Overall, the travel distance of 4 mm for both switches ensures that users will have a consistent and reliable typing experience no matter which one they choose.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 Dareu Firefly switch is noted for its chirpy and unique acoustic signature, providing a slight squeak that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch also has a subdued sound option for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Firefly being quieter and the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a more pronounced sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for key presses. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch provides a creamy and silky typing experience, with smooth and buttery key presses that glide effortlessly. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a subtle typing feel with gentle resistance, suitable for shared spaces. While the Firefly switch focuses on light actuation and ease of typing, the G Pro 3.0 Black emphasizes smoothness and a more substantial typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a quieter and easy-to-press option with just a hint of clickiness, while the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a more pronounced sound profile and a creamy, silky typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation with a hint of clickiness and a quiet typing experience, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantive typing experience with a medium-heavy feel and a clacky or subdued sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Black could be the switch that suits you best. It's important to consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision, so take the time to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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