Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mannan Pipefish offer unique experiences for different types of users. The Firefly, a tactile switch, boasts a quiet and light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it a great option for those who prefer a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish, a linear switch, provides a smooth and precise typing experience with a light 45g actuation force, ideal for casual typists looking for a strain-free keyboarding journey. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mannan Pipefish utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Despite differences in other aspects of the switches, the choice of housing materials for both the Firefly and the Pipefish leads to similar sound profiles based on their respective top and bottom housing materials.
While both the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing material with the Firefly utilizing nylon and the Pipefish also using nylon. This variation in bottom housing material affects the typing experience for each switch, as the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, showcasing how the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and the bottom of the switch. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, both switches still offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel due to their shared top housing material of polycarbonate.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mannan Pipefish play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. Although differences exist in the bottom housing material, the overall typing experience remains similar between the Firefly and the Pipefish, showcasing how housing materials can impact the overall performance and feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, slightly heavier than the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch's actuation force of 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Mannan Pipefish has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Mannan Pipefish may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, if a stronger push feel is preferred for a more substantial typing experience, the Firefly might be more suitable. Both switches have their own advantages based on weight preference, with the Firefly offering a slightly heavier actuation force and an unknown bottom out force, while the Mannan Pipefish provides a lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a total of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar experience, providing consistent results in terms of keypress feel. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, ensuring a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch is used.
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 Mannan Pipefish has an MSRP of $3.53 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mannan Pipefish for $3.05.
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 is unique in its chirpy sound profile, providing a subtle squeak that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and users. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Firefly and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches are described as easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses for a comfortable typing experience. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, enhancing overall typing efficiency. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined key feel that further improves the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch both excel in providing a comfortable and efficient typing experience. While the Firefly offers a unique chirpy sound profile and the Mannan Pipefish boasts a polished finish for smooth key travel, both switches share the common quality of being easy-to-press and gentle on the fingers. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but either option would result in a pleasant typing journey for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, you should opt for the Firefly if you prefer a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force and minimal clickiness. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a subtle typing feel and want to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish is the way to go. This switch offers a comfortable and precise typing experience, making it perfect for casual typists looking for a strain-free keyboarding journey. Ultimately, it depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force when deciding between these two switches.
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