Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch, we see two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Firefly stands out for its innovative take on clicky switches, providing a quiet typing experience with a subtle clickiness. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a beloved classic among the community for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. The Firefly is best known for being easy to press and chirpy, while the Ink Black V2 is characterized by its low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished feel. When choosing between the two, consider whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with a light actuation like the Firefly, or a consistent and smooth linear feel like the Ink Black V2. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Ink Black V2, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, while the Ink Black V2's INK blend top housing provides a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound. Both switches have transparent top housings, with the Firefly utilizing polycarbonate for its translucency and RGB lighting capabilities, while the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary blend for aesthetic and auditory purposes.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Firefly's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Ink Black V2's INK blend bottom housing, which provides a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound. The nylon material of the Firefly absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 contributes to a more pointed and distinct sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who prefer a louder and crisper sound.
In essence, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Ink Black V2 ultimately result in unique typing experiences for users. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharp and resonant sound upon key release, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a clacky and satisfying sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 contributes to a pointed and distinct sound. Both switches offer a range of sound profiles for users to choose from based on their preference for typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly is lighter in both aspects, with an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the 60 grams of the Ink Black V2. The bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Ink Black V2 has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Firefly, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In either case, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces for each switch, based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This is beneficial for users who prefer consistency in their typing experience. Having the same travel distance ensures that the feel of pressing down on keys will be similar regardless of which switch is being used. Therefore, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance with both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, with a hint of chirpiness. Both switches offer distinct acoustic characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, catering to different preferences in terms of key resistance and feedback.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, they both deliver quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a quieter and light actuation feel with a hint of clickiness, or a smooth and gentle typing experience with a bassy sound profile, these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a quiet and light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, along with an easy-to-press and low-impact typing feel, then the Firefly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, along with a low-pitched and polished typing experience, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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