Dareu Firefly vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended usage, as exemplified by the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Light Sakura. The Firefly is a unique tactile switch that offers a light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness, making it a great option for those who enjoy a tactile response without the loud, resonant sounds that often accompany traditional clicky switches. This makes it well-suited for environments where discretion is important while still providing feedback for touch typists. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch tailored for ultimate comfort and silence. Its ultra-light feel is perfect for extended typing sessions, catering to users who seek a gentle and fatigue-reducing experience without the distraction of noise—ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Firefly advocating for a balance of tactility and quietness, while the Light Sakura emphasizes smoothness and silence. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Light Sakura both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a foundational similarity in the acoustic properties of these mechanical switches. The polycarbonate material is recognized for its stiffer composition, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared characteristic enhances the clarity and resonance of the switches, making them appealing for users who prioritize auditory feedback during typing or gaming. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from their translucent polycarbonate housings, making them compatible with RGB lighting. This design element not only enhances visual customization but also emphasizes the acoustic advantages of the material, ensuring that light passes through without obstruction.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly, with the Firefly employing nylon and the Light Sakura staying consistent with polycarbonate. Nylon is famed for its softer qualities, which lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thereby absorbing more sound energy. In mechanical switches like the Firefly, this results in a rounder, more muted sound when bottoming out compared to the sharper click of a switch featuring only polycarbonate. The Light Sakura, on the other hand, maintains the crispness associated with polycarbonate throughout both the top and bottom housings, potentially offering a more consistent auditory experience. The difference in bottom housings means users will perceive distinct sound characteristics between the two switches, especially on the bottom-out experience.
Ultimately, despite the distinct bottom housing materials, the Firefly and Light Sakura switches still achieve synergistic acoustic properties. Typing with the Firefly may offer a unique blend of characteristics due to the interaction between the nylon's sound-dampening qualities and the polycarbonate's clear resonance in the top housing, while the Light Sakura provides a more uniform, high-pitched, and clear sound profile across both the top and bottom. This results in a typing experience that caters to different preferences; for users keen on a rounded, softer sound, the Firefly excels, while those who prefer a sharper auditory response might gravitate towards the Light Sakura. Users can thus select based on their desired auditory feedback while enjoying the shared benefits of polycarbonate's acoustic advantages in the top housing of both switches.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch offer differing typing experiences due to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams, which provides a slightly heavier keypress compared to the Light Sakura's lighter 37 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged use may find the Light Sakura more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Firefly remains unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Light Sakura's bottom out force is 43 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, those who favor a more pronounced tactile experience may gravitate towards the Light Sakura for its heavier bottom out force, despite it having a lighter actuation force. Overall, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for weight and feedback during use.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Firefly switch offers a deeper keypress experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile feedback. In contrast, the Light Sakura's shorter travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a popular choice among gamers who often seek more rapid engagements. Therefore, if you value a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Dareu Firefly may be the more suitable option, whereas if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Bsun Light Sakura would be the better pick. Overall, the Firefly is the longer of the two, while the Light Sakura is the shorter option.
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 Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the distinct acoustic qualities set them apart. The Firefly offers a unique chirpy sound signature, characterized by a subtle squeak that can add a character to typing without becoming intrusive or distracting. This makes it suitable for environments where a quiet operation is desired, but it still retains a hint of auditory feedback. In contrast, the Light Sakura is designed to operate silently, making it perfect for office settings or shared spaces where discretion is paramount. Hence, while the Firefly introduces a gentle auditory element, the Light Sakura ensures a completely noise-free experience.
In terms of feel, both switches are engineered for comfort and ease of use, but they have different takes on tactile feedback. The Firefly features an easy-to-press mechanism, necessitating minimal force to activate, which translates into a comfortable and responsive typing experience. This characteristic reduces finger fatigue, especially beneficial during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, while the Light Sakura’s feel is not explicitly detailed, its silent operation suggests a smooth experience that likely prioritizes comfort and fluidity over tactile response. Thus, each switch achieves a type of satisfaction but through different tactile philosophies.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Light Sakura cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Firefly provides a unique chirpy sound alongside an easy-to-press feel, making it enjoyable without being overly loud. In contrast, the Light Sakura excels in silent operation, prioritizing a comfortable typing experience ideal for quiet settings. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you lean towards a minimal, lightly clicky auditory response or prefer a completely silent typing environment. Each switch has its merits, and either could serve you well depending on your typing style and situational needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a switch that offers a light actuation with a subtle click, the Firefly might be your best bet. Its unique chirpy sound adds an interesting dimension to your typing experience, all while remaining quite subdued. This makes it a good option for those who enjoy some tactile feedback without the louder, classic clickiness associated with traditional switches, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth, silent typing experience, particularly in a work environment where discretion is important, the Light Sakura is your go-to choice. Its ultra-light feel, coupled with a bottom-out force that is gentle enough for long typing sessions, will help minimize finger fatigue while allowing you to type quietly. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize quiet elegance or the slight tactile feedback you get from the Firefly, so consider your typical use cases to pick the switch that's right for you.
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