Dareu Firefly vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Dareu Firefly and the Kailh BCP. The Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, stands out for its unique take on clicky switches, offering a quiet yet satisfying actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness that provides tactile feedback without the loud noise often associated with traditional clicky switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who seek a responsive feel while maintaining a peaceful workspace. In contrast, the Kailh BCP is a linear switch that reimagines the classic Black Cherry Pie design, delivering a creamy, elastic, and bouncy typing experience characterized by a poppy, clacky sound profile. Ideal for gamers or typists who prefer smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump, the Kailh BCP is perfect for fast-paced environments where rapid key presses are essential. Both switches have their distinct advantages, appealing to different user preferences and needs; 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
POM
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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Kailh BCP present a notable contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly affects the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Firefly utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows for optimal light diffusion. In comparison, the Kailh BCP opts for a nylon top housing. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound better than polycarbonate, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile that resonates with users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Consequently, users may select one switch over the other based on their sound preference during typing, with the Firefly catering to those seeking a more pronounced acoustic feedback and the BCP appealing to those who desire a more muted sound.
Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, creating a similarity in this aspect that bridges their differences. The nylon in both the Firefly and BCP contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing sound waves effectively to create a rounder auditory experience. This commonality means that regardless of the disparity in their top housings, both switches can evoke a blend of sound profiles that satisfies a range of typists. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound when a key is pressed, and since both models feature nylon in this area, users will experience a consistent sound quality that emphasizes a rich and muted typing experience.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Firefly and the Kailh BCP diverge in their top housing materials, they converge in their bottom housing composition, allowing them to produce unique yet complementary sound profiles. The interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate and the softer nylon in the Firefly creates a distinct auditory feedback during typing that contrasts with the down-to-earth quality offered by the BCP's entirely nylon construction. This diversity allows typists to select a switch that aligns more closely with their individual preferences for sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing in both ensures that users can expect a grounded typing experience. By understanding these materials and their implications, users can better navigate their switch options based on their desired soundscape and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Kailh BCP linear switch, significant differences in force characteristics emerge. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during long working hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists might find more satisfying. Furthermore, while the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, the BCP has a defined bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that it requires more pressure to fully bottom out compared to some other switches. As a result, those who favor lighter switches may gravitate toward the Firefly for its ease of use, while users seeking firmer resistance might find the Kailh BCP more appealing. Overall, the Dareu Firefly's lighter actuation makes it appropriate for extended use without fatigue, whereas the Kailh BCP’s heavier force provides a distinct tactile feedback, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Firefly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the BCP measures a shorter 3.5 mm. This means that the Firefly offers a deeper and potentially more tactile experience, appealing to users who enjoy a robust feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a more responsive switch, allowing for quicker actuation and potentially faster response times, which many gamers find advantageous. Thus, while the Firefly provides the longer travel distance, favoring traditional depth and tactile feedback, the BCP’s shorter travel distance may feel too abrupt for some but is preferred in high-speed environments.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 it comes to sound profile, the Dareu Firefly switch stands out with its unique chirpy quality, providing a light acoustic signature that is notably quieter than traditional clicky switches. The absence of a resonant clicky sound makes it less intrusive, offering a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing character. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch is characterized by a creamy, poppy sound that results in a clacky auditory experience. This difference in sound profiles suggests that if you're looking for a more discreet typing environment, the Firefly would be the better choice, while the BCP caters to those who enjoy an audible response when typing.
In terms of the tactile experience, the Firefly switch is designed to be easy to press, presenting a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to actuate. This low actuation force contributes to a comfortable and effortless typing experience, which is particularly beneficial during long sessions of use, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the feel of the Kailh BCP switch is marked by its creamy and bouncy quality, providing a more elastic and lively response upon actuation. While both switches offer unique tactile differences, the Firefly focuses on ease of use whereas the BCP emphasizes a dynamic, responsive feel.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Firefly offers a quiet, chirpy sound with a light, easy-to-press feel that is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and discretion in their typing experience. On the other hand, the BCP provides a clacky sound with a bouncy, elastic feel that appeals to users who enjoy an audible and dynamic response. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, either switch could enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, but they will deliver different results in terms of auditory feedback and tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a quieter typing experience, especially in shared or quiet environments, the Firefly's light actuation with a subtle, chirpy sound may suit you well, allowing for extended typing sessions without discomfort or distraction. The easy-to-press feel of the Firefly is designed for comfort, meaning it could be a fantastic choice for those who prioritize a lightweight touch and low finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust and tactile feedback in your typing, the Kailh BCP switch is ideal due to its medium-heavy actuation force and its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a wonderfully engaging experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The BCP's thicker feel offers a satisfying resistance, making it a better option for those who enjoy a more tactile and intentional typing experience, especially in gaming scenarios where precise key presses matter. Ultimately, aligning your choice with your typing style and usage context will ensure you make an informed and satisfying decision.
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