Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver 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 Silver offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that provides an easy-to-press experience with a subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast responsiveness and budget-friendly price point, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for an edge without breaking the bank. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, they both feature polycarbonate top housings that produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design of the switches. While both switches share this common material for their top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housings.
The Firefly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the Firefly. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housings, providing a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Firefly and the G Pro 3.0 Silver showcase how the combination of different plastics can influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the differentiation in their bottom housings highlights the importance of material choice in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. Whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience, allowing users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Firefly has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. The Firefly lacks information on the bottom out force, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a heavier press compared to the Firefly. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Firefly may be the better choice. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, while the G Pro's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower and may result in faster response times, making it a preferred choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Firefly offering a longer distance for those who prefer more depth, and the G Pro 3.0 Silver providing a shorter distance for quicker key presses.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound with a unique acoustic signature, making it stand out from other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, adding a deep and rich auditory element to your typing experience. While the Firefly switch is more subtle and quiet, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a more pronounced and satisfying sound feedback, enhancing the overall typing or gaming experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This seamless and uniform typing sensation ensures a pleasurable typing or gaming session without any hiccups.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter and lighter typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch is a great option. However, if you seek a more pronounced and satisfying sound response with a buttery and creamy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be an excellent choice. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a personalized mechanical keyboard experience for every user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a light actuation force, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking a competitive edge with faster responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use whether it be for work or gaming. Both switches offer unique features and advantages, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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