Dareu Firefly vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and Bsun Jade Rosales stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Firefly, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a unique twist on the classic clicky feel, providing a light actuation that hints at clickiness while remaining surprisingly quiet. This makes the Firefly an attractive choice for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes without the distracting sound typically associated with traditional clicky switches. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches are celebrated for their linear design, which is the result of meticulous refinement over a year, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience devoid of any tactile bump. This makes them ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a consistent keystroke without any interruption. Ultimately, the decision between the Firefly and Jade Rosales will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and noise levels. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Jade Rosales both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. This shared material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. Polycarbonate's translucent nature also enhances the aesthetic quality of the switches when RGB lighting is employed, allowing light to pass through and create vibrant effects. Because both switches utilize this same material in their top housing, users can expect similar sonic characteristics, particularly when it comes to the clarity and resonance of sound produced during key presses.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, impacting their overall sound profile distinctly. The Firefly utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that is known for its softer characteristics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics and creates a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jade Rosales employs a proprietary "Custom Milky Material" for its bottom housing. While the specific acoustic properties of this material may not be as well-documented as nylon, it is likely designed to offer its own unique tonal qualities to the switch. The variance in bottom housing materials means that while the top housing may provide similar high-frequency clarity, the bottom housing materials will present a noticeable difference in the low-frequency response and the overall sound feel when bottoming out.
In summary, while both the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Jade Rosales share the polycarbonate advantage in their top housing, which is instrumental in generating a similar sound clarity and response, their bottom housing materials lead to distinct sonic experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Firefly emphasizes a deeper sound, contrasting with the ambiguous characteristics of the Jade Rosales’s custom material. Consequently, users can expect each switch to deliver unique performance depending on the specific combination of materials and how these properties interact with one another—making the choice between the two dependent on personal sound preference and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, allowing for easier key presses and potentially longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, its bottom out force remains unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding its overall feel compared to the Jade Rosales. In contrast, the Jade Rosales features a firmer actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a heavier option that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, if a user values light keystrokes for extended use, the Firefly may be the better choice, while those seeking a stronger push feel might favor the heavier Jade Rosales.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the Firefly features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jade Rosales has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm highlights the Firefly's more pronounced key travel, which may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Jade Rosales, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to offer quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, if you lean toward a more substantial key press for a satisfying tactile feedback, the Firefly would be the preferred option, whereas if you favor a snappier feel, the Jade Rosales is the way to go.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 comparing the sound profiles, the Dareu Firefly switch stands out with its unique chirpy sound. This characteristic gives it a light squeak that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches, creating a more subdued acoustic experience without the pronounced, resonant click often associated with such switches. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch does not have a specified sound profile, but it's important to note that the overall sound can greatly vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap selection. Thus, while the Firefly's sound is distinctive and softer, the Jade Rosales may provide a more muted or different auditory experience, contingent on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch excels with its easy-to-press design. It requires minimal force, making it responsive and comfortable for extended typing sessions, effectively reducing finger fatigue. This gentle resistance contributes to a more relaxed and enjoyable typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and responsiveness. The Jade Rosales switch, however, lacks an explicit description of its feel, so we can only speculate on its tactile response and overall typing comfort.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly offers a chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel that enhances typing comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, while the Bsun Jade Rosales may provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, its sound and tactile qualities remain unspecified. Therefore, if you desire a quiet yet engaging auditory experience with minimal actuation effort, the Firefly may be more suited for you, while the Jade Rosales offers the promise of smooth operation yet leaves much to be discovered about its specific qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you value a quiet yet engaging typing experience with a light actuation force, the Firefly is an excellent choice. Its easy-to-press nature makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue while providing a subtle clickiness that adds feedback without overwhelming sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional linear feel with a balanced medium-light actuation force, the Bsun Jade Rosales is likely your best bet. Its smooth typing experience, honed through meticulous design, complements fast-paced gaming or typing where you require precise key presses without any tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can significantly enhance your typing experience, so consider your individual needs for sound, feel, and application when making your choice.
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