Dareu Firefly vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and PH Studio Milk Tea offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a light actuation and a hint of clickiness without the classic resonant sound, making it both easy-to-press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a linear switch known for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, with a bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it clacky, polished, silky, and resonant. While the Firefly may appeal to those looking for a quiet typing experience, the Milk Tea is ideal for users who prioritize prolonged typing comfort and a unique sound profile. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the PH Studio Milk Tea, there are notable differences to consider. The Firefly employs a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for clear and resonant keypress feedback. In contrast, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound, providing a unique typing experience. While both offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between polycarbonate and POM will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound, offering a satisfying keypress experience for those who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with its overall sound signature. Despite using different materials, both switches prioritize providing a pleasant sound experience, showcasing the importance of bottom housing material in determining the overall typing feel.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is essential to recognize how the top and bottom housings work together to influence sound and feel. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a distinct combination of sharpness and depth, the Milk Tea's POM housings provide a consistent deep and muted sound profile throughout. Whether one prefers the crispness of polycarbonate or the richness of POM, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials will depend on personal sound and tactile preferences, highlighting the importance of material selection in achieving the desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Milk Tea's 37.5 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Tea at 43.5 grams is higher than the Firefly, where this information is unknown. This difference in bottom out force suggests that the Milk Tea switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Firefly may be more suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we can see that the Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Milk Tea's 3.6 mm. The Firefly falls within the traditional range of travel distances, while the Milk Tea is on the shallower end. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Milk Tea a suitable choice for gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may gravitate towards the Firefly for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a chirpy and unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch presents a combination of clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant qualities, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards the lighter and chirpy sound of the Firefly, or the sharper and more diverse sound of the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is praised for its easy-to-press characteristic, offering minimal resistance during key presses and facilitating effortless typing. Contrasting this, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance during keypresses and releases. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering unique tactile feedback, but the Firefly focuses on light actuation and minimal force, while the Milk Tea prioritizes smoothness and reduced friction.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a quiet and light actuation with a slight clickiness, while the Milk Tea delivers a high-pitched and diverse sound profile along with a polished and silky typing experience. Based on personal preference and typing demands, users can choose between the chirpy and easy-to-press nature of the Firefly or the clacky and refined feel of the Milk Tea to suit their mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a higher-pitched, clacky sound and a smooth, polished typing feel, the Milk Tea switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound profile or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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