Dareu Firefly vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Mahjong offer distinct options for different preferences. The Firefly switch is a tactile switch known for its quiet actuation and light clickiness, making it easy to press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, offering a bouncy and polished typing experience with a lively sound signature. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Mahjong, we see similarities in their top housings. Both the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing and the Mahjong's POK top housing are known for their durability and ability to produce a sharp and clear sound profile. However, the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing is favored for its translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the Mahjong's POK top housing is praised for its smoothness and clacky sound. Overall, both materials contribute positively to the overall performance of the switches they are used in.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Firefly's nylon bottom housing and the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches helps to enhance the typing experience by providing a richer sound profile that can be satisfying for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys.
While the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Mahjong may differ in material, they both play significant roles in shaping the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The qualities of each housing material are distinct and can impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities allows for a balance in the tactile and auditory feedback of the switches, showcasing the thoughtful design and attention to detail in both the Firefly and Mahjong models.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. This means that while both switches may provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out, the Firefly may require slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. This difference in actuation force could result in a lighter typing experience for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the Mahjong switch with its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch. The Firefly offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Mahjong provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong for quicker response times, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Firefly. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, with the Firefly providing a longer keypress compared to the Mahjong. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique "chirpy" sound with a hint of clickiness, creating a distinctive acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively feel with each key press. Additionally, it is considered mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly switch provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Mahjong switch offers a neutral sound and bouncy, polished feel. Depending on your preferences and typing style, you can expect a unique typing experience with either switch. Overall, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and cater to a variety of users, whether you are a beginner or an experienced mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light actuation with a hint of clickiness and a quiet typing experience, the Firefly switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy and polished typing feel with a lively sound, the Mahjong switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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