Dareu Firefly vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Ice King Tactile are two standout options in the tactile switch category. The Firefly switch from Dareu offers a unique take on clicky switches by providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch by Durock takes tactile typing to the next level with a smooth and pronounced tactile bump that offers a satisfying typing experience. The Firefly switch is best suited for those looking for an easy-to-press switch with a slight clickiness, while the Ice King Tactile switch is ideal for individuals who prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Durock Ice King Tactile both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile boasts a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Firefly and the Ice King Tactile utilize nylon for its sound-absorbing properties. The nylon bottom housing of the Firefly contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Ice King Tactile's nylon bottom housing also enhances its sound characteristics. Nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics makes it an ideal choice for switch housing, creating a more muted and rounded sound profile. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ for each switch, they both play a vital role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Ice King Tactile showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile of a switch. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, emphasizing a more sound-absorbing quality. Whether you prefer a clear, resonant sound from polycarbonate or a more muted, round sound from nylon, these two switches cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the Firefly and Ice King Tactile will come down to personal sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 58 grams, making the Firefly more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Ice King Tactile is heavier at 68 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel compared to the Firefly, where the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preference for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, slightly longer than the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Firefly offers a bit more depth to the key press, allowing for a more pronounced tactile feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Firefly being more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press, while the Ice King Tactile caters to users who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference and typing style.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 chirpy sound, adding a unique squeak to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a quieter typing experience overall. The sound of a switch can also be impacted by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is easy-to-press, providing minimal resistance and a light actuation force for a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and fluid key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, albeit in slightly different ways.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you value a smooth and tactile typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, the Firefly may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a creamy smooth tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile could be the perfect fit. Additionally, if you prefer a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Firefly is worth considering. However, if you prefer a subdued sound and a silky, frictionless, stepped, or polished feel, the Ice King Tactile might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing preferences and overall typing experience goals.
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