Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Glimp. The Firefly switch offers an easy-to-press experience with a hint of clickiness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Glimp switch provides a medium-light feel with tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience. The Glimp switch also has a clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the KTT Glimp both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity in the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for gaming keyboards. However, while both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, they may offer slightly different aesthetics based on design choices.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Glimp both utilize nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in material for the bottom housing can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the design and construction of each switch may still result in slight variations in sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Glimp allows for a balanced typing experience with distinct sound profiles. While both switches share similar characteristics due to their housing materials, they may still offer unique nuances based on design choices and construction. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon, both switches offer quality options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a customizable typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch both have differences in actuation and bottom out force. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Glimp has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Firefly has an unknown value, while the Glimp has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Glimp switch requires more force to fully press down compared to the Firefly. Generally, a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Firefly would be better for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Glimp would be suitable for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you will experience a similar travel distance when pressing down on the key. The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard switch, as it can affect the typing experience and comfort level for the user. In this case, both the Firefly and Glimp switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a familiar feel for those who prefer a standard keypress depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to other features such as tactility, actuation force, and overall 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 KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 known for its chirpy sound, which adds a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch offers a clacky sound profile that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory element to your typing sessions. If you prefer a quieter switch, the Firefly would be the way to go, while the Glimp offers a more pronounced sound for those who enjoy a bit of clickiness.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch provides a creamy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery feel that allows your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The mild characteristics of the Glimp switch make it approachable for most users, providing a comfortable typing experience without overwhelming resistance.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that is quiet and easy to press, the Dareu Firefly switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound profile and a creamy, smooth feel, the KTT Glimp switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what auditory and tactile experience you prefer for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a very light actuation with just a hint of clickiness in a quiet switch, opt for the Firefly. This switch offers an easy-to-press typing experience with minimal resistance, making it ideal for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile that adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing, go for the Glimp. This switch strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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