Dareu Firefly vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Holly are both tactile switches that offer unique features and experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Firefly is praised for its quiet and light actuation, making it easy to press and providing a subtle hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. While the Firefly is known for its ease of use and subtle clickiness, the Holly offers a more robust and distinct typing experience with its medium actuation force and unique sound signature. 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
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and Holly both utilize polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is favored for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, the Firefly and Holly will provide similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Dareu Firefly features a nylon material while the Dareu Holly also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience of each keyboard.
Overall, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch allows for a balanced typing experience with unique sound profiles. While both the Dareu Firefly and Holly offer polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The combination of these materials in each switch ensures a well-rounded tactile and auditory experience for users, enhancing the overall typing experience on both keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Firefly will register a key press with less force applied, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is unclear which one requires more pressure to fully press the key. For some users, the lighter actuation force of the Firefly may be more comfortable for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Holly for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Firefly and the Holly will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Holly 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 of these switches, you will get similar results in terms of the distance you feel. Neither the Firefly nor the Holly has a shorter or longer travel distance compared to the other, as they both offer a consistent 4 mm distance for a tactile 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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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
The Dareu Firefly switch is known for its unique and quiet sound profile, with a light actuation and a hint of clickiness. This switch provides a chirpy sound that sets it apart from others, offering a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. This results in a balanced and distinctive typing experience, with a mix of squeaky and sharp sounds. When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and minimal force required for activation. This enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While the feel of the Holly switch is unknown, users can expect a unique and balanced typing experience due to its distinct sound profile and medium actuation force. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, users should consider their preference for sound, actuation force, and typing feel to determine which switch best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a quiet and light typing experience with just a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing preferences and needs carefully before making a decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer different qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best aligns with your desired typing experience.
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