Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the specific characteristics and features that each switch offers. On one hand, the Dareu Firefly provides a unique tactile experience with its quiet and light actuation, making it easy to press with just a hint of clickiness. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a smooth linear switch option with a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The G Pro Red also boasts a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience. While the Firefly is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the G Pro Red is labeled as 'Creamy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished', and 'Silky'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both keyboards share this material for their top housing, the Firefly and G Pro 3.0 Red differ in their bottom housing material.
The Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience for users. With both keyboards sharing the same bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound.
Overall, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can result in unique tactile and auditory experiences. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences between the Firefly and G Pro 3.0 Red in their housing materials, both keyboards offer high-quality construction with distinct sound characteristics for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, the actuation force of the Firefly is lighter at 40 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red's 45 grams. The Firefly lacks information on the bottom out force, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red requires a slightly higher force to trigger a keystroke, but offers a lighter bottoming out experience compared to the Firefly. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of these two switches is equal, and you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience.
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 Red 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 Red 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 unique with its chirpy sound profile, adding a distinctive characteristic to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a neutral sound, providing a moderate experience suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Firefly being more playful and the G Pro Red being versatile for different user preferences and environments.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch offers an easy-to-press typing experience with minimal force required for activation. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch provides a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key presses with reduced friction. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback and comfort levels, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Considering the information provided, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly switch provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the G Pro Red switch offers a neutral sound and creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their specific needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with medium-light actuation force and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them depends on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
