Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Magnetic Jade each offer unique advantages suited to different typing preferences. The Firefly is renowned for its subtlety, combining a lightweight actuation with a soft touch of clickiness, making it an excellent choice for those who value a quiet yet tactile typing experience. Its "easy-to-press" designation ensures that long typing sessions remain comfortable without the jarring sound signature associated with traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are designed for users who crave an expressive auditory experience. With their bright and clacky sound, they elevate the acoustic pleasure of typing, making them ideal for those looking to enhance the sound quality of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Ultimately, while both switches cater to distinct preferences—one prioritizing a gentle, refined approach and the other offering a lively auditory feedback—it's essential to explore their features more thoroughly to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. This commonality means that both switches are likely to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when activated. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate helps to create a more resonant sound that can be particularly effective for users who prefer a more definitive auditory feedback from their switches. Furthermore, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal candidates for RGB lighting setups. This alignment in the choice of top housing material suggests that users can expect similar sound characteristics when gaming or typing on either switch.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Dareu Firefly differentiates itself with nylon material, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon compared to the rigidity of polycarbonate allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory response that complements the high-pitched feedback from the top housing. The Gateron Magnetic Jade employs the same nylon bottom housing, ensuring that both switches produce a similar sound experience at the bottom-out stage. This consistency in material choice at the bottom further reinforces the idea that users will enjoy a cohesive auditory experience across both switches.
Ultimately, the differing impacts of the housing materials further enrich the overall auditory experience of both models. While the polycarbonate top for both switches contributes to a clear and bright sound upon key release, the nylon bottom housing in each provides a deeper sound when the keys are depressed. This careful architectural blending ensures that users can shift seamlessly between the two switches while maintaining the familiarity of a well-rounded sound profile. By understanding how these materials work collaboratively in each switch, users can make a more informed choice based on their personal preferences, knowing that both options deliver a blend of crisp and rich auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Firefly switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it heavier than the Magnetic Jade, which requires only 30 grams to actuate. This difference means that the Firefly may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is not specified, while the Magnetic Jade has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. Since the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, we can't directly compare that aspect, but it suggests that if it were measured, it could provide a very different typing experience. Ultimately, those who favor lighter switches for longer typing sessions may prefer the Gateron Magnetic Jade, while users looking for a heavier and more tactile feel might lean towards the Dareu Firefly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable differences emerge. The Firefly has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that caters to those who appreciate a deeper press, providing a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to users who favor quicker key presses for enhanced responsiveness, especially preferred by gamers. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that offers a hearty depth and tactile feedback, the Firefly with its 4 mm travel distance would be the ideal choice, while the Magnetic Jade is better suited for those seeking rapid response times with its shorter, 3.5 mm travel distance.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The sound profile of the Dareu Firefly is notably quiet and characterized by a chirpy acoustic signature, which offers a unique, gentle resonance rather than the pronounced clickiness of traditional switches. This makes the Firefly suitable for environments where noise is a concern while still providing a tad of auditory feedback without being intrusive. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are designed to deliver a bright and clacky sound, making them a perfect choice for those who appreciate an audible typing experience. This distinction between the two means that while the Firefly promotes a more subdued atmosphere, the Magnetic Jade caters to enthusiasts looking for enhanced acoustics and feedback in their typing.
When it comes to the feel, the Firefly switch excels in providing an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to actuate. This light actuation can significantly reduce finger fatigue during prolonged usage, making it ideal for users who type for extended periods. The response feels smooth and comfortable, which is great for casual users or anyone looking to enhance their typing efficiency. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the feel of the Magnetic Jade switches. However, since they are designed for a superior typing experience, one might expect them to offer a satisfying tactile responsiveness akin to other quality switches, although the specifics remain uncertain.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch presents a quiet and chirpy sound with an incredibly light and comfortable feel, making it suitable for those seeking a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch provides a loud, bright sound that will satisfy those who desire an engaging auditory feedback combined with potentially superior tactile responsiveness. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize an understated typing environment or a more pronounced acoustic experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when determining whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a light actuation force, enjoy a unique chirpy sound, and prefer a quieter experience without the resonant click often associated with traditional clicky switches, then the Firefly switch is an excellent option for you. It is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue, providing a comfortable and easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, if you desire a more pronounced acoustic feedback with a clacky sound and a medium-light actuation force, the Magnetic Jade switches will fulfill your needs, especially in a setting where you can appreciate the enhanced acoustics. They are ideal for those looking to upgrade their typing experience and enjoy a tactile sensation that is distinctly audible. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style, sound preferences, and whether you require a quieter or more expressive mechanical experience.
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