Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Gold Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Firefly switch is a tactile switch that provides a light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness, making it a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-press switch that is also quiet. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch is also a tactile option but offers a more balanced experience with a satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. The Gold Brown switch is known for its softer sound profile and buttery feel, appealing to users who prefer a more neutral and polished typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and TTC Gold Brown both utilize polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Firefly and Gold Brown differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Meanwhile, the Gold Brown also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for similar sound characteristics.
The main difference between the Dareu Firefly and TTC Gold Brown lies in their choice of bottom housing material. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly creates a deeper and fuller sound through sound absorption. Conversely, the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing also provides a rounder sound profile, contributing to a similar typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of functionality, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Gold Brown showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience. The split between top and bottom housings allows for different sound characteristics to be felt when pressing down on a key and letting go. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, while the softer nylon bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. This demonstrates how the combination of housing materials in a switch can create a dynamic typing experience tailored to the user's preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Gold Brown switch requires more force to press down fully compared to the Firefly switch. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Firefly for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Gold Brown for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and keypress force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a similar amount of travel and feedback. As a result, there is no significant difference in the travel distances between these two switches, providing users with a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch 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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 switch offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, providing a light and distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch produces a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments and preferences. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that enhances the typing experience by reducing fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing sensation that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a smooth and uniform keystroke experience with accented tactility. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch has a polished finish that contributes to a sleek typing feel due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly switch is characterized by its quiet operation and easy-to-press nature, appealing to users looking for a light and non-intrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a balanced tactile feedback with a rounded and satisfying bump, suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. Depending on your preference for sound profile and typing feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different user needs. Ultimately, both switches offer reliable performance and can deliver similar results depending on your specific requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a light actuation force and a quieter typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a moderate bump and weightiness, as well as a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, the Gold Brown switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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