Dareu Firefly vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Koala 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 and the Durock Koala, both of which are tactile switches. The Firefly from Dareu offers a unique take on clicky switches by providing a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it quiet and easy to press. In contrast, the Koala switches are known for their stepped tactility, offering a pronounced bump without being overly loud, providing a polished and low-pitched typing experience. While the Firefly is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Koala switches strike a balance between pronounced tactility and moderate sound levels. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Koala utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Firefly and Koala differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound. Similarly, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers the same characteristics, contributing to a deep and full typing experience.
While both the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Koala share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, their unique nylon bottom housings provide distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Firefly enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience, absorbing sound to produce a rounder sound profile. This split in housing materials allows for a balanced feel between the top and bottom of the switch, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Koala showcase how different housing materials can influence the typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, their nylon bottom housings offer unique characteristics that cater to varying preferences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a crisper typing experience with the Firefly's nylon bottom housing or a deeper, fuller sound with the Koala's nylon bottom housing, both switches provide options for a personalized typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which is perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, it is worth noting that the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, so it is uncertain how much pressure is needed to fully press the key. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The actuation force for the Koala is not specified, so it is unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, if the actuation forces are similar between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feedback and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Koala tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the results provided by both switches will be similar. As a result, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the Firefly and the Koala tactile switches.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 chirpy sound, unique in its slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow, making it suitable for various environments. While the Firefly switch is known for its quiet operation with a light hint of clickiness, the Koala switch offers a moderate sound profile that is neutral, making it versatile for different users and settings. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Additionally, it is described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. The Koala switch is also noted for its stepped feel, offering a two-stage tactile experience that is different from the more traditional hypertactile switches.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and Durock Koala tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly switch is known for its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Koala switch boasts a low-pitched sound and a polished, accented feel. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Firefly offering a quieter option and the Koala providing a more pronounced bump without being overly loud. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the Durock Koala tactile switch, you should evaluate your preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a quieter typing experience with light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Koala could be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as sound profile, actuation force, and tactile feel that align with your personal typing preferences.
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