Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, and the KTT Mint, a linear switch, offer distinct characteristics to consider. The Firefly switch stands out for its quiet nature, providing a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those seeking an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint switch boasts a smooth linear feel with a poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem, delivering a light and fleeting typing sensation. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Mint switch is perfect for users looking for a more polished and subdued 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
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mint both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material also provides a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. However, when it comes to their nylon bottom housings, both switches differ in the sound they produce. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Mint's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While both the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mint share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, with the same sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, they differ in their nylon bottom housing materials. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Mint's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing or gaming. It is important to note how the qualities of each housing material contribute to the experience of using these switches.
The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mint provide unique characteristics to each switch. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how these materials interact with each other can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in the overall performance and sound quality of mechanical switches like the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Mint.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is clear that the Firefly is lighter in both aspects. The Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Mint's 45 grams. Additionally, the Firefly does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Mint has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Firefly may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Mint with its slightly heavier forces may be more suitable. In terms of overall weight and force requirements, both switches offer different experiences, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same level of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience. Users can expect consistent feedback and key response from both switches, making them equally suitable for those who value a standard key travel distance. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Firefly or the KTT Mint, you can count on a 4 mm travel distance for a satisfying 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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 characteristic that sets it apart from other switches. This switch provides a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, creating a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile with a neutral tone, making it suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Firefly being more chirpy and the Mint being more bass-heavy and mellow.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Firefly being more effortless and the Mint being more approachable.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly switch and the KTT Mint switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, while the Mint offers a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used. However, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a quiet and light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, then the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, when deciding between these two switches, consider your preference for sound and feel – whether you lean towards a chirpy switch like the Firefly or a low-pitched and polished switch like the Mint. Both switches have their unique qualities, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing preferences.
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