Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Gold Silver

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Gold Silver offer unique experiences for users. The Firefly, a tactile switch, is characterized by its quiet actuation and light clickiness, making it easy to press and providing a chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Silver, a linear switch, boasts rapid responsiveness with a shortened travel distance that results in a solid bottom-out and a resonant sound signature. This switch offers a polished, thocky feel with low-pitched, silky keystrokes that are both mild and neutral. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Firefly Tactile

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Gold Silver feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches have the same top housing material, their bottom housings differ. The Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Gold Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound.

Despite having different bottom housings, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Gold Silver share similar qualities in their top housings. The polycarbonate material used in both switches ensures a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, perfect for those seeking a more defined typing experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. While the nylon bottom housing of each switch may impact the bottom-out sound and feel differently, the top housing's influence on key release sound remains consistent.

In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Gold Silver both offer a unique typing experience due to their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housings provide a clearer and resonant sound profile, with the added benefit of enhancing RGB lighting effects. While the nylon bottom housings differ slightly in sound absorption and depth, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience overall. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller one, both switches offer options to cater to different preferences in typing sound profiles.

Weight

The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Firefly may be more preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare them in that aspect. In terms of weight preference, those who enjoy typing for long periods of time may lean towards the lighter actuation force of the Firefly, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the Gold Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm compared to the Firefly's 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Silver for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired keypress depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a chirpy and unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. It has a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, resulting in a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The Gold Silver's sound signature is harmonized by a resonant tone, echoing the switch's commitment to swift action. Overall, the Firefly switch offers a quieter and more subtle sound, while the Gold Silver switch provides a more pronounced and resonant typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Dareu 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 typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch is characterized as polished, silky, mild, and subtle. It offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Silver switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a gentle resistance, suitable for most users looking for a comfortable and approachable typing feel.

Overall, the Dareu Firefly switch excels in providing a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience with a unique chirpy sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, polished finish, and thocky low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences for typing experience, users can choose between the quieter and light actuation of the Firefly switch or the responsive and polished feel of the Gold Silver switch. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience for users.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a quiet switch with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers rapid responsiveness, a decisive bottom-out, and a resonant sound signature, the Gold Silver could be more suited to your needs. Both switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Firefly and the Gold Silver will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking for.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Firefly Tactile

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more