Dareu Firefly vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Medium Tactile both offer a tactile typing experience, but with unique qualities that set them apart. The Firefly switch from Dareu is praised for its quiet operation and light actuation, providing a subtle hint of clickiness without the loud resonant sound typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is celebrated for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, offering a different tactile feel compared to the Firefly. While the Firefly is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the Medium Tactile is labeled as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own merits depending on personal preferences and typing styles. 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
65g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Durock Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, these two switches are likely to deliver a similar experience due to their shared top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing while the Medium Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for their bottom housing. In this aspect, both the Firefly and the Medium Tactile are likely to provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
Ultimately, the qualities brought by the housing materials of each switch are split between the top and bottom portions of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the Dareu Firefly and the Durock Medium Tactile are likely to offer comparable sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile is unknown. The bottom out force of the Firefly is also unknown, whereas the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Firefly, as it requires less force to actuate, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Medium Tactile, which provides a heavier bottom out force for a more satisfying keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will get a similar feeling of key travel. It's worth noting that a 4 mm travel distance is considered to be on the shorter side compared to other tactile switches in the market. This shorter travel distance can result in quicker actuation and potentially faster typing speeds for the user. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Firefly or the Durock Medium Tactile switch, you can expect a similar key travel distance and experience.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 sound that sets it apart from other switches. This light, quiet switch has a hint of clickiness that provides a pleasant typing experience without being disruptive to those around you. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature that adds a playful element to its pronounced tactility. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Firefly being more subtle and the Medium Tactile having a bit more character.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, which requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation combined with gentle resistance offers a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long sessions. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides an accented tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. With a stepped feel that has a mild yet polished finish, this switch offers a refined typing experience that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Both switches offer a tactile feel that enhances the typing experience in their own unique ways.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Durock Medium Tactile switches each bring their own subjective qualities to the table. While the Firefly excels in providing a quiet and light typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Medium Tactile shines with its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. Depending on personal preferences, both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying tactile experience from either switch, with the choice between the two coming down to individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a very quiet switch with light actuation and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, as well as your typing style and environment. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
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