Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Lime switches are both exceptional choices in the tactile category. The Firefly switch stands out for its quiet and light actuation, providing a subtle clickiness without the loud sound signature typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a unique combination of lightweight feel, approachable tactility, and silenced operation, making it ideal for tactile enthusiasts looking for a feathery typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Lime, the Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing while the Lime has a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing, particularly enhancing RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when using the Lime switch. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of sharpness and depth of sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Firefly and Lime switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. As nylon is known for its sound absorption properties, typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will result in a softer bottom-out sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Despite the similarity in bottom housing material, the overall sound experience may still vary slightly between the Firefly and Lime switches due to other design factors.
When considering the impact of housing materials on typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material can be felt differently depending on whether it is used in the top or bottom housing of a switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Firefly and Lime switches may share similarities in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Firefly and nylon for the Lime - can result in distinct typing experiences in terms of sound sharpness and depth. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in choosing between these switches based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is evident that the Lime switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Firefly requires an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Lime only requires 35 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lime switch has a force of 45 grams compared to the Firefly's unknown bottom out force. This indicates that the Lime switch provides a lighter typing experience overall. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to fully press the key. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Firefly potentially providing a more substantial feel due to its higher actuation force, while the Lime offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Firefly offers a longer travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a switch with more depth and feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lime provides a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches offer their own benefits, with the Firefly offering a more traditional feel and the Lime catering to those who prioritize speed. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
Comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, the Firefly offers a chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, while the Lime provides a neutral and muted sound that is much quieter overall. The Firefly's unique acoustic signature sets it apart, whereas the Lime's sound profile is more suitable for shared spaces due to its muted characteristic. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Firefly is easy-to-press with minimal force required for activation, enhancing the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a milder typing experience with a feathery light touch that reduces finger fatigue and is approachable to most users. The subtle resistance of the Lime switch, combined with its polished finish, provides a smooth and refined typing experience suitable for extended use.
Overall, both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Lime switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Lime switch offers a muted sound profile and a feathery, subtle typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing needs, users can choose between the light tactility of the Firefly or the quiet, gentle feel of the Lime switch. In terms of sound, the Firefly is more distinct and may appeal to those who enjoy a hint of clickiness, while the Lime switch is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with either of these tactile switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a light actuation, the Firefly would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams and a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Lime switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
