Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mallo are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Firefly, known for its quiet operation and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, is ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-press switch with a chirpy feel. On the other hand, the Mallo is praised for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, striking a balanced chord for typists who appreciate a feathery and mild switch with a neutral sound signature. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Firefly and Mallo both utilize nylon bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Although both the Firefly and Mallo incorporate polycarbonate top housings, they differentiate themselves in their bottom housings. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom affects the overall typing experience. The bottom housing's impact is more pronounced in 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 between the two housings allows for a nuanced typing experience with a balance of sharpness and depth in sound profiles.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mallo offer unique combinations of housing materials that affect the sound and feel of typing on the switches. The polycarbonate top housings of both models create a distinct sound profile with clarity and resonance, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings deliver a deeper and fuller sound due to their softer nature. While the two switches share similarities in their top housings, the difference in bottom housings provides varying typing experiences that cater to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Firefly also has an unknown bottom out force, while the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly due to its lower actuation force, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Mallo may be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel when typing for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mallo tactile switches both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile experience with a medium travel distance, making them suitable for users who prefer a balanced feel when typing or gaming. The similarity in travel distance between the Firefly and the Mallo ensures that users will get a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 switch offers a chirpy sound profile, with a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch provides a more subdued and neutral sound, making it suitable for various typing environments without being overpowering. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, both switches can offer a pleasant typing experience with different auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press, providing a light actuation force that enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery and subtle tactile feel, making it comfortable for prolonged use in gaming, school, or work settings. With a range of descriptors like mild, stepped, and subtle, the Mallo switch provides a versatile typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.
Overall, both the Dareu Firefly and KTT Mallo switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly switch brings a light actuation with a hint of clickiness and a chirpy sound, while the Mallo switch provides a balanced tactility and a neutral sound signature. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Be sure to consider your specific preferences and typing environment when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best fit your typing preferences. If you prefer a light actuation force and a subtle clicky sound, the Firefly may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing feel with a gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, the Mallo could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles, so it's important to test them out and see which one aligns best with your preferences and needs.
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