Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Honey offer unique experiences for users. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, resulting in an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Honey is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. While the Firefly offers a quiet typing experience with a subtle clickiness, the Honey provides a frictionless and buttery typing feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Honey, it is clear that they both use polycarbonate for their top housing material. This shared feature results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches where sound quality is a priority. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches.
However, where the Firefly differs is in its use of nylon for the bottom housing material, while the Honey sticks with polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Firefly produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, which may be preferred by some users looking for a quieter typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Firefly offers a unique sound profile that combines the sharpness of polycarbonate with the deeper tones of nylon. On the other hand, the TTC Honey's consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings results in a more uniform sound profile throughout the keystroke. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users may find one switch to be more suitable for their needs than the other.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Honey linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, while the Honey has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it heavier in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may be drawn to the heavier bottom out force of the Honey. In either case, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to different preferences, providing users with options depending on their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the TTC Honey linear switch is the shorter option. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, offering a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Honey switch caters to those seeking a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. However, both switches offer a similar experience overall due to their relatively close travel distances.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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, adding a subtle squeak to each key press, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch provides a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and pleasant noise when activated. The sound produced by each switch can further be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Firefly is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This results in a responsive and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation. This is achieved through factory lubrication or specific materials, allowing for effortless keystrokes and a seamless typing experience with minimal resistance.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a light and clicky feel with a unique chirpy sound, the TTC Honey linear switch provides a creamy and smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile. Depending on personal preference and typing habits, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the light actuation of the Firefly or the smoothness of the Honey, both switches can enhance your overall typing experience, providing unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and easy-to-press switch with a light actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Honey linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Consider your typing preferences and needs to determine which switch would better enhance your overall typing experience.
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