Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options in this realm are the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Lunar Probe. The Firefly switch stands out for its unique approach to tactile feedback, offering a quiet yet satisfying actuation with just a hint of clickiness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback without the loud sound typical of many clicky switches. Its 'easy-to-press' and 'chirpy' characteristics make it ideal for users who prefer a responsive feel while minimizing auditory distractions. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe is designed for aficionados of smooth keystrokes, employing a dual-rail mechanism that ensures stability and consistency with each press. This pre-lubed linear switch provides an incredibly fluid typing experience, appealing to gamers and typists alike who favor a quieter, effortless action. Ultimately, whether you gravitate toward the Firefly's tactile nuance or the Lunar Probe's sleek linearity depends on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Lunar Probe share a commonality in their top housing, as both are crafted from polycarbonate. This choice of material is significant because polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in keystrokes. Its stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, making the typing experience feel more vibrant. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly for users who enjoy RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Firefly and Lunar Probe will deliver similar audio feedback and visual effects, showcasing the benefits of polycarbonate in enhancing both sound quality and aesthetic performance.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ. The Firefly utilizes nylon for its lower housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This quality means that it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory experience when typing. The Lunar Probe, while also made with nylon for its bottom housing, is likely to evoke the same deeper sound characteristics. Consequently, though both switches utilize nylon at the base, the overall auditory experience when bottoming out will still resonate similarly in feel, although the textural nuances and user familiarity may vary slightly from one switch to the other.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the housing of both the Dareu Firefly and Gateron Lunar Probe results in a unique auditory signature for each switch. While both top housings contribute to a high-pitched and clear sound profile due to their shared polycarbonate material, the nylon bottom housings reinforce a deeper sound profile which characterizes both switches. Thus, users can expect overlapping audible qualities in both models, but they will experience distinct typing sensations depending on the specific material dynamics of the top and bottom housings. This interplay of materials ensures that while similarities exist, individual switches can still express varying sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it's clear that the two have differing characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Firefly features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use for work or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, making it difficult to measure how the switch behaves when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe has a heftier actuation force of 45 grams and a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a stronger push feel when the key is fully pressed. This could be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Firefly is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, the heavier nature of the Lunar Probe may cater better to users seeking tactile feedback and a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, the Firefly features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Firefly offers a more traditional, deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm can appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a hearty depth, the Firefly is the better choice, whereas the Lunar Probe may be favored for its more immediate responsiveness.
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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 profiles of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, the Firefly presents a unique auditory experience. It is characterized by a chirpy sound, offering a subtle squeak with each keystroke that adds a distinctive acoustic element to the typing experience. In contrast, the sound signature of the Lunar Probe is more subdued and less defined, being described as subtly quiet. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound can vary significantly based on factors such as the keyboard build and the specific keycaps used, which may influence how each switch's sound is perceived in real-world use.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch excels with its easy-to-press nature, providing a light actuation force that makes typing feel effortless. This gentle resistance during key presses minimizes finger fatigue, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe, while lacking a specific description, is noted for its smoothness due to Gateron's dual rail mechanism, which enhances stability and consistency in key presses. This smoothness is a hallmark of linear switches, and while the tactile feedback differs, both switches are designed to prioritize user comfort.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The chirpy sound of the Firefly contrasts with the subtle silence of the Lunar Probe, while the Firefly’s easy actuation promotes a low-impact typing feel compared to the smooth consistency of the Linear Probe. For those considering these switches, both options cater to different preferences, and the ultimate experience can be fine-tuned by the type of keycaps or keyboard utilized. Choosing between them will depend entirely on whether one values a more engaging sound and tactile feedback or prefers a quiet and seamless typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider the type of experience you seek in your typing or gaming sessions. If you favor a quieter, more subtle tactile experience with a light actuation force, the Firefly is an excellent choice. With its easy-to-press design and chirpy sound signature, it offers comfort for extended typing while providing just a hint of feedback, making it suitable for both daily use and environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a more traditional feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe is the way to go. With its stable, consistent keypresses and light bottom-out force, it’s ideal for rapid typing or gaming where speed and precision are paramount. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback, as both switches offer unique benefits to enhance your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
