Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly when comparing options like the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Mars. The Firefly is renowned for its tactile feedback and quiet operation, offering a light actuation that provides just a hint of clickiness, all without the traditional loud resonance often associated with clicky switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who desire a more subtle typing experience while still enjoying a tactile response. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches present a different experience entirely with their innovative design featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a unique blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth, linear feel that is favored by gamers and typists who prefer a fluid keypress without any tactile bumps. While the Firefly caters to users prioritizing quiet, tactile feedback, the Mars is ideal for those seeking uninterrupted keystrokes and enhanced speed. 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
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Mars switches, we see distinct differences that impact both sound and feel. The Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a clearer auditory feedback when typing, especially if the switches feature RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. Conversely, the Gateron Mars employs a nylon top housing. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sonic experience. This contrast illustrates how the choice of top housing material significantly influences the switch's auditory characteristics, with the Firefly catering to those who favor brightness, while the Mars appeals to those preferring warmth.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a different layer of comparison. The Dareu Firefly sports a nylon bottom housing, similarly engineered to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in material suggests that both the Firefly and Mars may offer a rounded auditory experience, as they share nylon in this component. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing, which distinctly contributes to a muted and pleasing sound profile. The use of POM, known for its unique acoustic properties, diverges from the softer absorption qualities of nylon and can enhance the overall sound output in a manner that is less pronounced but equally satisfying.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches ultimately shapes the user experience. In the case of the Firefly, the combination of a sharp polycarbonate top and a soft nylon bottom creates a balanced auditory response, with the clarity of the top housing accentuating the fullness from the bottom. Meanwhile, for the Mars, the POM bottom housing may soften the sharpness of the nylon top, resulting in a sound profile that leans towards the muted side, yet remains pleasing. Users seeking a clear, crisp typing experience may prefer the Firefly, while those who enjoy a warmer, rounder sound might gravitate towards the Mars. Thus, while both switches offer unique attributes, they also exemplify how the interaction of different materials can lead to varied yet complementary typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see a distinction in actuation force that may influence user experience. The Firefly features an actuation force of 40 grams, which makes it a lighter option, offering an effortless typing experience suitable for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Mars requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for both switches remains unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that regard. However, with the Firefly being lighter than the Mars, users looking for a softer keystroke may gravitate towards the Firefly, while those who appreciate a firmer push might opt for the Mars.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Firefly measures at 4 mm, while the Mars is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference highlights that the Firefly offers a more traditional and deeper press, suited for users who appreciate a more tactile feel and substantial feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Mars, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and more rapid key actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides more heartiness and depth, the Firefly would be the ideal choice, whereas the Mars caters to those who favor a quicker, more responsive feel during their interactions.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 delivers a unique acoustic signature characterized as chirpy, providing a subtle squeak that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches, while maintaining a quiet profile overall. This distinct sound can give a pleasing auditory feedback without the overpowering resonance typical of clicky switches. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch is unknown, but it’s important to remember that the overall sound a switch produces can also greatly depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used. Therefore, the Mars may offer a different auditory experience that warrants exploration.
Regarding feel, the Firefly switch is notable for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate, which makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a light touch while typing. The gentle resistance provided by the Firefly enhances comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended sessions, contributing to a responsive and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Mars switch remains unknown, leaving it open to personal interpretation and individual testing to determine its tactile characteristics.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch provides a unique chirpy sound signature and an effortless, low-impact feel that caters to typists seeking comfort during long periods of use. While the Gateron Mars switch does not have a defined sound profile or feel available for comparison, it’s essential to experiment with various switches to find the right fit that meets your preferences. Ultimately, if you desire a quiet yet distinctive switch with a light actuation force, the Firefly is a compelling option, while the Mars might surprise you with its own distinct qualities once sampled.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a light actuation force and find comfort in a quiet, albeit slightly chirpy, switch that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Firefly would be an excellent choice for you. Its easy-to-press characteristic makes it ideal for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience while still enjoying a hint of tactile feedback without the noise of traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a linear feel and are drawn to the unique design of Gateron’s Mars switches, opting for these linear switches will offer you a more direct and fluid typing experience. The enhanced materials used in their construction can also contribute to a longer lifespan and consistent performance. In the end, assess what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s a slight sound signature and tactile feedback or a purely smooth keystroke—and select the switch that aligns best with your typing style.
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