Dareu Firefly vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gazzew LT 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 Gazzew LT. The Firefly is a tactile switch that offers a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, making it easy to press and chirpy. On the other hand, the LT is a linear switch known for its deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide with every keystroke. While the Firefly provides a quiet typing experience without the classic clicky sound, the LT offers a satisfying auditory symphony with its bassy and low-pitched thockiness. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Gazzew LT both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the LT uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing focuses on clear and resonant sound, the LT's Gazzew blend top housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Firefly incorporates a nylon material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," provides a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering unique sound profiles through their bottom housing materials. While the Firefly relies on nylon for a duller and rounder sound, the LT's Gazzew blend ensures a rich and deep sound experience for users.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Dareu Firefly and the Gazzew LT can significantly impact the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend delivers a rich and deep sound experience. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique sound profiles, showcasing the importance of housing materials in keyboard customization.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is important to note that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the LT has an unknown actuation force. Additionally, the Firefly has a bottom out force of None grams, which makes it difficult to compare to the LT's bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In terms of weight, the Firefly would be more preferable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the LT would be more suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the LT, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the LT's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key feel and actuation, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a longer, more deliberate key press with the Dareu Firefly, or a shorter, quicker response with the Gazzew LT.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique, chirpy acoustic signature that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches, providing a light and subtle clickiness without the usual resonant clicky sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch produces a deep, bassy thocky sound profile that is both rich and satisfying. Typing on the LT switches offers a symphony of deep thockiness that resonates with each keystroke, allowing for a seamless glide with every press. Whether you prefer a chirpy and light clickiness or a rich and bassy thocky sound, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can enhance your typing pleasure.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch is not readily available. However, based on the description of the LT's deep and satisfying sound profile, it can be inferred that these switches may provide a smooth and linear typing experience that complements their rich auditory feedback. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a personal preference that can greatly impact your typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially in feel. The Firefly's chirpy and light clickiness contrasts with the LT's deep and bassy thockiness, catering to different preferences for auditory feedback. While the Firefly is praised for its easy-to-press nature, the specific feel of the LT is not explicitly stated. Both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, exploring these switches can help you find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper, richer sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a seamless glide, the LT could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Happy typing!
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