Dareu Firefly vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options emerge: the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Purple RGB. The Firefly switch stands out with its innovative approach to tactile feedback, featuring a light actuation that's not only easy to press but also provides a subtle, almost chirpy clickiness, making it a great choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile sensation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch delivers a more pronounced tactile bump with medium strength, offering a refined and satisfying engagement that appeals to both gamers and typists alike, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches cater to specific preferences—whether you prioritize a lighter touch and quieter operation with the Firefly, or a solid tactile response with the MX Purple RGB. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles during operation. The Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, which allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting since its translucency ensures that the lights can shine through effectively, enhancing the visual experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer nature. This results in a deeper, fuller sound that is less resonant compared to polycarbonate, giving the typing experience a more muted quality. Consequently, these fundamental differences in material directly affect the auditory feedback users experience when typing.
Conversely, both the Firefly and MX Purple RGB share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, with both switches utilizing nylon. This shared material leads to a consistent, deeper sound profile as nylon effectively absorbs sound. The bottom housing, being softer, produces a dulled and rounded sound upon bottoming out, making both switches feel similar in this aspect despite their contrasting top housings. A user can expect that each switch will provide a similar feel and sound during the act of bottoming out due to the characteristics of the nylon employed in the lower housing. Thus, even though the top halves of the switches present different sound signatures, the bottoms harmonize to create a cohesive experience in keypress feedback.
Overall, the Firefly and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches illustrate the significant impact that housing materials can have on the user experience. With the polycarbonate top of the Firefly delivering a sharper sound profile and vibrant RGB illumination, it caters well to users seeking an elevated auditory and visual interaction. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's nylon top offers a more muted sound that may appeal to those who prefer a subtler typing experience. The nylon bottom in both switches, however, creates a common ground for the overall sound and feel, ensuring that users can have a satisfying and consistent typing experience across both switch types. By understanding these materials' contributions to sound, aesthetics, and overall performance, users can make informed choices when selecting their preferred keyboard switch.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features an actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter option compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference in actuation force may influence user preferences, with the lighter Firefly being more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches, however, have an unspecified bottom out force, leaving us without a direct comparison in that aspect. While the Firefly may provide a less strenuous typing experience, the MX Purple RGB offers a firmer push, which some users might prefer for a more tactile and substantial feel. Overall, users seeking lighter switches might lean towards the Dareu Firefly, while those desiring a heavier touch might find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more appealing.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch, as both require the same amount of distance to register a keypress. As a result, typing or gaming experiences with either switch can be anticipated to deliver comparable results in terms of travel distance and actuation.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 distinguishes itself with a chirpy acoustic profile that includes a subtle squeak, making it a quieter alternative to traditional clicky switches. This unique sound can provide a pleasant auditory feedback without being noisy or disruptive, which can be ideal for shared workspaces or environments where silence is appreciated. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a specific sound descriptor noted, which could imply a more neutral auditory experience. However, as sound is heavily influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycaps used, both switches may exhibit a range of volume levels depending on those factors.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch features a light actuation force that renders it very easy to press, ensuring minimal resistance during key presses. This gentle feedback can significantly enhance comfort and reduce finger fatigue, particularly during long typing sessions, making it a great option for users who prioritize a low-impact tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are designed with a refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump. This could provide a more pronounced tactile feedback that some typists may prefer, adding to the overall typing sensation. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, thereby attracting distinct user bases.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Firefly and Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches offer differing sound profiles and tactile experiences, both present thoughtful designs that enhance the typing experience in their own ways. The Firefly switch is quiet with a unique chirpy sound and requires little force to actuate, making it suitable for prolonged use, while the MX Purple RGB offers a more pronounced tactile feel. Depending on your preferences, one may suit your typing style better than the other, but both can deliver satisfactory results within their respective niches.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself favoring a lighter touch and a quieter experience, especially in environments where noise can be a concern, the Firefly's gentle actuation and chirpy sound profile will likely suit you well. It excels in providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience, promoting long typing sessions without the fatigue often associated with firmer switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and are looking for a robust option that offers a reliable key feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might be the better choice. It delivers a refined tactile bump that’s well-suited for both typing and gaming, giving you that satisfying feedback with each press. Overall, your choice should reflect what you prioritize most in a switch: comfort and silence with the Firefly, or tactile feedback and engagement with the MX Purple RGB. Each has its unique advantages, ensuring that both can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in different ways.
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