Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Grapefruit offer unique experiences for users. The Firefly switch is a tactile switch that provides a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a hint of clickiness, making it easy to press and chirpy in feel. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch is a linear switch with a soft and light touch, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile that is both neutral and polished. Choosing between the Firefly and Grapefruit switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Grapefruit, we can see that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. Despite both switches sharing this material in their top housings, the differences in their bottom housings may lead to variations in overall sound and feel.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Firefly and the Grapefruit feature nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches have nylon bottom housings, the impact of this material on the overall sound experience may be different due to other factors such as keycap material and switch design.
Considering the split qualities of the top and bottom housings in a switch, the Firefly and the Grapefruit may provide different tactile and auditory experiences. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, despite both switches having similar top housing materials, the differences in their bottom housing materials may result in distinct typing experiences for users.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Grapefruit switch is heavier at 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Firefly switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Grapefruit switch with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different advantages based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with various options to suit their preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly and KTT Grapefruit switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. While both switches offer the same tactile feedback and smooth linear action, their different designs and materials may still provide a slightly different overall typing experience. Despite this, the travel distance remains consistent, providing a familiar feel for users of either switch.
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 Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 unique chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, making it stand out from standard clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch provides a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile with a neutral tone that is suitable for various purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so experiment to get the desired sound.
When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses for a light and effortless typing experience. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, enhancing overall comfort and responsiveness. In comparison, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch boasts a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with decreased friction and seamless key travel.
Looking at all the available information, it is clear that both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly excels in providing a distinctive chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Grapefruit stands out with its low-pitched bass-heavy sound and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can achieve satisfying results with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and light tactile switch with a unique feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and polished linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and bottom out force requirement when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinctive characteristics and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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