Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, or the KTT Kang White, a linear switch. The Firefly switch from Dareu offers an innovative take on clicky switches, providing a quiet experience with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness. On the other hand, the Kang White switch stands out for its poppy linear feel and smooth typing experience thanks to its self-lubricating material. While the Firefly is known for being 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the Kang White is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and KTT Kang White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in typing sounds. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches designed for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Firefly and Kang White also feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
While both the Dareu Firefly and KTT Kang White utilize polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. The split between the two housing materials allows users to experience different qualities depending on whether they are pressing down on a key or releasing it. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Dareu Firefly and KTT Kang White is beneficial for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. The clarity and resonance achieved with polycarbonate contribute to a more satisfying sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a unique typing experience compared to switches with uniform housing materials. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dareu Firefly and KTT Kang White offers a balance between sharpness and depth in typing sounds.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Kang White linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Firefly's value is unknown, while the Kang White switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams. Having a lighter actuation force like the Firefly may appeal to those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Kang White switch could provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, with the Firefly likely to result in a lighter touch and the Kang White providing a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will get a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This consistency in travel distance can be beneficial for users who prefer a certain amount of key travel for typing or gaming. Overall, both the Firefly and Kang White offer a comfortable typing experience with their matching travel distances.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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
While the Firefly switch offers a chirpy and quiet typing experience with a light actuation, the Kang White switch provides a low-pitched and smooth typing sound due to its self-lubricating material. The Firefly switch is easy-to-press and gentle on the fingers, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kang White switch's feel is not explicitly described, but its smoothness and poppy linear feel suggest a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Firefly provides a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience with a hint of clickiness, while the Kang White switch offers a smooth and poppy linear feel with a low-pitched typing sound. Depending on whether you prefer a light actuation and gentle resistance or a smooth and poppy feel, both switches can enhance your typing experience in their own way. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, you should consider the following. If you are looking for a quiet and light actuation switch with just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly would be a good choice for you. It provides a unique typing experience with its chirpy sound profile and easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a poppy linear switch with a medium bottom out force and unparalleled smoothness, the Kang White would be more suitable. It offers a dazzling typing sound with a low-pitched tone and a self-lubricating material for a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
Mentioned in this article
