Dareu Firefly vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it really comes down to personal preference. The Firefly offers a unique take on clicky switches, with a light actuation and a hint of clickiness, making it easy to press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Meteor White provides a subdued, gentle linear switch experience, with a soft type feel and a pitter-patter sound profile that is neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Dareu Firefly and SP-Star Meteor White switches offer distinct characteristics that affect sound profiles and typing experience. The Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with clear resonance. In contrast, the Meteor White features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder profile. The difference in materials results in unique auditory feedback for users of each switch.
Both the Firefly and Meteor White switches use nylon for their bottom housings, providing a similar typing experience with deep and full sound profiles. This consistency in material between the two switches suggests that users can expect comparable characteristics when it comes to bottom-out sound and overall typing feel. The absorbent nature of nylon contributes to a softer sound compared to harder plastics, enhancing the tactile feedback for users of both switches.
When the top and bottom housings of a switch are made from different materials, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of characteristics allows for a more nuanced typing experience, as users can appreciate the unique contributions of both materials in creating a cohesive sound profile for the switches.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Meteor White switch has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, while the bottom out force of the Firefly switch is not specified. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Meteor White switch with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches offer different typing experiences, catering to a variety of preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and keypress actuation on both switches. Whether you choose the Firefly or the Meteor White, you can count on a consistent typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 considering the sound qualities of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound, which adds a unique squeakiness to the typing experience without a resonant clicky noise. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch gives off a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the Meteor White switch features a thocky characteristic, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch can be further influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap materials.
Moving on to the tactile feel of these switches, the Firefly is characterized as easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and enhancing typing comfort and efficiency. Conversely, the Meteor White switch provides a mild typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users with its gentle characteristics. Furthermore, the Meteor White switch is described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing feel due to reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Firefly being effortless and low-impact, while the Meteor White offers a polished and approachable feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Firefly's light actuation and chirpy sound provide a distinct typing experience, whereas the Meteor White's gentle linear feel and thocky sound profile offer a more subdued yet satisfying sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between these switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience. Whether opting for the Firefly's quiet clickiness or the Meteor White's smooth linear feel, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, you should take into account your preference for a light actuation force and a quiet, slightly clicky sound profile. If you prefer a switch that requires minimal force to type on and offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound, then the Firefly switch would be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light actuation force and a smooth, refined finish that results in a polished typing experience with a soft "thocky" sound profile, then the Meteor White switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of sound and feel you find most appealing.
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