Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch. The Firefly switch from Dareu offers a unique take on clicky switches, providing a very light actuation with just a hint of clickiness without the typical loud sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch boasts a shorter travel distance and a smooth, clacky typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. The Firefly switch is best suited for those looking for an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience, while the Ink Yellow switch is ideal for users who prefer a neutral, clacky, mild, and polished 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Ink Yellow both feature unique characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more resonant sound that is ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly sharp.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Firefly utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by some users. Similarly, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to its unique sound profile, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound that complements the top housing to create a cohesive typing experience. This blend of materials ensures a balance between impact and sound when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Ink Yellow may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. The Firefly's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a clear and resonant sound profile that is well-suited for those who enjoy a higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings work together to create a clacky and pointed sound that is unique and enjoyable for users seeking a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the 60 grams required for the Ink Yellow. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, while the Ink Yellow has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Firefly may be the preferable option, as it allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Ink Yellow provides a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired level of force required for keypresses.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow. The Firefly's 4.0mm travel distance offers a traditional feel, while the Ink Yellow's 3.5 mm distance provides a slightly shallower press. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow, while those who enjoy a more substantial press may opt for the Firefly. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Firefly providing a bit more depth and the Ink Yellow delivering a slightly quicker response.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 switch offers a unique chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, providing a distinct acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a clacky quality, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on the user's preference, the Firefly's chirpy sound may be more subtle and suitable for quieter environments, while the Ink Yellow's clacky sound may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel, the Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a more gentle feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities make the Ink Yellow switch approachable to most users and create a comfortable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly switch provides a quieter and easy-to-press typing experience with a chirpy sound, the Ink Yellow switch offers a clacky sound and a more gentle feel with a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. However, it is important to note that both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results based on the user's individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, clacky typing experience that falls between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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