Dareu Firefly vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and the Invyr Holy Panda are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Firefly switch from Dareu is a tactile switch that offers a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, providing a quiet typing experience without the typical loud clicky sound. On the other hand, the Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. While the Firefly switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when deciding between the two. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Invyr Holy Panda utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches intended for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. In terms of sound and feel, the top housing material plays a significant role when releasing a key, influencing the overall experience of using these switches.
In contrast, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, while the Holy Panda also incorporates a nylon bottom housing in its design. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile produced by polycarbonate top housings. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, providing a different tactile experience compared to the impact of the top housing on key release sound.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Dareu Firefly and the Invyr Holy Panda contributes to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the distinction in bottom housing material, with the Firefly using nylon and the Holy Panda also opting for nylon, creates a noticeable difference in the sound produced when typing. Understanding how these materials interact with key presses can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to type on for longer periods of time without causing fatigue. However, it does not specify a bottom out force, so it is unknown how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch does not mention its actuation force, but it has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their advantages, with the Firefly being lighter and more suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Holy Panda offers a heavier bottom out force for a more pronounced keystroke feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, allowing for a comfortable and familiar feel regardless of which switch is used. Ultimately, whether choosing the Firefly or the Holy Panda, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
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 switch offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. This distinct acoustic signature adds a touch of character to the typing experience without the traditional loud clickiness. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. While the specific sound characteristics of the Holy Panda switch are not explicitly described, it is clear that it provides a more pronounced and resonant auditory feedback compared to the Firefly. Ultimately, both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to varying preferences, with the Firefly being quieter and the Holy Panda being more audibly engaging.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is described as an invigorating and sharp tactile switch that provides a moderate to firm actuation force. The Holy Panda switch offers a more accentuated tactile feedback compared to the Firefly, creating a more immersive typing sensation. With its inherent snappy and sharp characteristics, the Holy Panda switch delivers a more dynamic typing experience for tactile switch enthusiasts.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly switch provides a quieter and easy-to-press typing experience with a hint of chirpiness, while the Holy Panda switch delivers a more pronounced feedback with a bright "clack" and sharp tactility. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the unique characteristics of each switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality tactile feedback and responsiveness, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it's essential to consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a subtle clickiness and minimal noise, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump, firm actuation force, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, the Holy Panda switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize a quieter, lightweight experience or a more pronounced and invigorating typing sensation.
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