Dareu Firefly vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Master are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Firefly, a tactile switch, is praised for its quiet operation and light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-press key with a chirpy feel. On the other hand, the Master, a linear switch, offers a medium weight key press with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, appealing to users who enjoy a polished and mild typing experience. 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and Dareu Master differ in their housing materials, with the Firefly featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Master has a POM top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Master produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique typing experience. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
One similarity between the Firefly and Master switches is their use of POM material in the bottom housing. Both switches utilize POM for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more muted compared to other materials. This shared feature ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound signature that sets them apart from switches with different housing materials. Whether typing on the Firefly or Master, users can expect a consistent and pleasant sound profile thanks to the POM bottom housing.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Firefly and Master switches differ, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly creates a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the switch, while the relatively softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder overall sound profile. In comparison, the POM top and bottom housing of the Master provide a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, offering a different typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper sound of the Firefly or the deeper sound of the Master, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Dareu Master linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Firefly would be easier to trigger a keystroke with a lighter touch. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is unclear which would require more force to fully press down. In terms of weight, the Firefly may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Master may be favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the differences in actuation force between the two switches may result in varied typing experiences, but without information on bottom out force, it is difficult to determine the full extent of the contrast between the two.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Dareu Master linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Firefly offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Master provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may lean towards the Master for its shorter travel distance, offering quicker response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Firefly with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 unique 'chirpy' quality with a subtle squeak, setting it apart from traditional clicky switches. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch boasts a 'clacky' sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive in nature. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Firefly switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, striking a balance between gentle key presses and smooth key travel. The Master switch provides a safe and approachable feel that is suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Master switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly excels in providing a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, the Master delivers a classic clacky sound paired with exceptional smoothness in operation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light actuation force with a hint of clickiness and a quiet typing experience, then the Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, then the Master switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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