Dareu Firefly vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile versus linear options. The Dareu Firefly switch, a tactile switch, offers a unique experience characterized by its light actuation and subtle clickiness, all while maintaining a surprisingly quiet profile. This makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback without the disruptive noise commonly associated with traditional clicky switches. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch is a linear option, renowned for its smooth keystrokes that eliminate any tactile bumps or clicks. The MX Orange, making a comeback through the MX2A generation enhancements, caters to gamers and typists who seek speed and fluidity in their typing experience. While the Firefly is ideal for those valuing a balance of feedback and tranquility, the Cherry MX Orange is perfect for individuals prioritizing a seamless keypress. 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
55g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which profoundly affect their sound profiles. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material produces a sharper and crisper sound when typing, creating a more vibrant acoustic experience. The translucency also makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting, allowing the glow to shine through beautifully. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic known for absorbing sound rather than amplifying it. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a more subdued auditory experience. The choice of materials significantly shapes the sound characteristics, with the Firefly's polycarbonate offering a brighter tone compared to the MX Orange's warmer quality, making the overall typing experience distinctly different.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Dareu Firefly and Cherry MX Orange share a common element, as they both utilize nylon for this part. This uniformity means that both switches will likely deliver a similar auditory experience at the lower end, since nylon's softer properties enable it to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder profile. Therefore, during key presses, both switches will feel plush and quieter due to the sound-absorbing qualities of the nylon material in the bottom housing. As a result, while the top housings produce contrasting sound profiles, the bottom housings work synergistically to create a cohesive and more muted auditory experience for both switches.
In summary, the differences in the top housings of the Firefly and MX Orange serve to create unique sound characteristics, while the shared nylon bottom housings provide a consistent base that enhances the overall typing experience. Users who favor a more resonant and lively typing experience might gravitate toward the polycarbonate Firefly, while those who prefer a quieter, more muted sound profile may find the Cherry MX Orange more appealing. Ultimately, the combination of these materials reflects the intended user experience, demonstrating how the interaction between different housing types can create a diverse array of tactile and auditory sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, it is noteworthy that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the 55 grams of the MX Orange. This means the Firefly may provide a more effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the absence of specified bottom out forces for both switches leaves that aspect of comparison unknown. While both switches may not provide definitive insights on bottom out engagement, the difference in actuation forces highlights a distinct contrast in feel; the Firefly offers a lighter, potentially faster response, while the MX Orange appeals to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means pressing down on either key will provide you with the same tactile feedback and response in terms of depth. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, users can expect comparable results when it comes to the key press experience, making them equally adept at delivering a satisfying feel during typing or gaming. In this regard, neither switch is shorter or longer, as they align perfectly in their travel specifications.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a unique acoustic quality with a chirpy sound profile. This light squeak gives the switch a character that's distinct yet quiet, diverging from traditional clicky switch designs that are often loud and resonant. Meanwhile, there is no specific sound characteristic provided for the Cherry MX Orange, but it's worth noting that sound perception can vary significantly based on the specific keyboard and keycap setup used, potentially softening or amplifying the auditory experience of either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Firefly tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature. The gentle resistance allows for minimal force needed to actuate the switch, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. This responsive action enhances the overall typing experience, offering a sense of lightness that many users find appealing. In contrast, there is no specific tactile feel description available for the Cherry MX Orange switch, leaving some ambiguity regarding how it compares in this crucial aspect.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly switch stands out with its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, catering well to those who prefer a quiet yet slightly clicky typing experience. While the Cherry MX Orange lacks detailed sound and tactile descriptors in this context, enthusiasts can expect that with similar setups, they may achieve a comfortable typing experience as well. By understanding these nuances between the two switches, newcomers can better decide which switch aligns with their specific typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a switch that offers a unique typing experience with minimal resistance and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly is an excellent option. Its easy-to-press nature makes it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, and its chirpy sound adds a distinct character to your keystrokes without overwhelming noise — perfect for quieter environments or office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer the smooth and uninterrupted action of a linear switch, the Cherry MX Orange is designed to provide that seamless experience. It’s ideal for gamers and typists who enjoy a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, allowing for rapid key presses and a clean sound profile. Therefore, align your choice with your primary use case—whether you seek the unique tactile feedback from the Firefly or the fluidity of the MX Orange, both switches cater to different preferences and environments, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your decision.
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