Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and Gateron Glory Yellow present two distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Firefly switch offers a unique take on tactile feedback, delivering a light actuation that provides a subtle hint of clickiness while remaining notably quiet. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a keyboard that combines a tactile feel with a more muted sound profile, creating an ideal environment for both typing and gaming without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow stands out as a linear switch, well-regarded for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it favored by users who prioritize swift, unrestricted key presses and fluidity in gameplay. Each switch caters to particular typing styles: if you enjoy tactile feedback with a whisper of sound, the Firefly might be your go-to, while those aiming for seamless, uninterrupted keystrokes may gravitate towards the Glory Yellow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches provide a noteworthy contrast in both sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their differing compositions. The Firefly's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly effective for users who prefer a clearer and more resonant typing experience, especially if RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which offers a softer, more muffled sound profile. This difference results from nylon's ability to absorb sound better than polycarbonate, culminating in a duller and rounder auditory feedback when typing.
However, when we turn to the bottom housings of both switches, the materials converge. Both the Firefly and the Glory Yellow utilize nylon for their bottom housings. The use of nylon in this component ensures that both switches deliver a similar experience in terms of sound output, as they share the same fundamental properties that provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's inherent softness contributes to a more muted bottom-out sound and feel, allowing for a cushioned typing experience. This similarity creates an interesting dynamic where the bottom housing effects balance the sharper qualities of the Firefly's polycarbonate top, while also complementing the Gateron Glory Yellow's unique sound profile.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials lead to distinctive sound characteristics for each switch while the nylon bottom housing unifies the tactile experience. Users of both switches can expect to enjoy the rich sound profile provided by nylon in the bottom housing, but they will perceive the overall auditory and sensory experience differently when the tops are pressed. The Firefly users will appreciate the clarity and brightness from the polycarbonate material, while those choosing Glory Yellow will find comfort in the warmth and depth generated by the nylon top. Overall, the interplay between these materials shapes the richness of the sound and feel, allowing for an engaging typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, notable differences emerge regarding their actuation forces. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, potentially reducing fatigue for users who favor a lighter touch. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow requires a stronger actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Unfortunately, both switches lack specific bottom out force data, which limits a complete understanding of their performance during extreme key presses. Nevertheless, without the bottom out force information, we can infer that the heavier Gateron Glory Yellow will provide a firmer feel compared to the lighter Dareu Firefly, catering to different user preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect similar keypress experiences when typing or gaming. The consistent 4 mm travel distance means that the depth at which each switch activates will feel the same, providing a uniform experience regardless of which switch is used.
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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 tactile switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized as "chirpy." This quality gives it a subtle yet appealing sound signature that's quieter and distinct compared to traditional clicky switches, as it lacks the usual resonant click. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, suggesting that it likely maintains a smoother and more muted sound, aligning with the characteristics typical of linear switches. However, it's important to remember that the overall acoustic experience can depend significantly on the keyboard construction, including factors like the choice of board and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Firefly switch excels with its "easy-to-press" sensation, designed to provide gentle resistance and require minimal force for actuation. This results in a typing experience that is comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during longer periods of use. It's an ideal option for those who seek a responsive touch without the heaviness often associated with traditional tactile switches. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Glory Yellow has not been explicitly described, but as a linear switch, it should also offer a smooth keypress without the tactile bump, aligning more with preferences for uninterrupted key travel.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch presents a chirpy sound profile with a comfortable and light typing experience, making it suitable for users who appreciate a quieter, tactile feel. The Gateron Glory Yellow, while lacking specific descriptions for sound and feel, likely offers a linear experience that is smooth and muted in sound. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing dynamics, allowing users to choose based on their individual needs—be it the unique auditory experience of the Firefly or the smooth action associated with the Glory Yellow.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the applications you have in mind. If you value a quieter typing experience without the loud clicky sounds often associated with traditional tactile switches, the Firefly is an excellent option. Its light actuation and easy-to-press feel will enable you to type for extended periods with minimal finger fatigue, making it a suitable choice for those who spend long hours working or gaming without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with stable, reliable linear feedback, the Gateron Glory Yellow could be the better fit. While we've noted that details on the tactile feel and sound aspect of the Glory Yellow were limited, the switch is designed to provide a pleasing travel distance, ensuring that you enjoy every keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a light, quiet typing experience or a smooth and stable keystroke feel for gaming and everyday use.
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