Dareu Firefly vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and Cherry MX Silent Red offer unique features to consider. The Firefly switch from Dareu is a tactile switch that provides an easy-to-press feel with a hint of clickiness, perfect for those who enjoy a light actuation without the loud clicky sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that maintains the satisfying typing experience of the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their own strengths, with the Firefly being chirpy and the MX Silent Red offering a muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Silent Red, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. However, the Firefly uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the MX Silent Red uses a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound but in a different way compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly.
In terms of aesthetics, the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows the light to shine through. This adds a visually appealing element to the switch that the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing does not offer. However, both switches share the benefit of nylon bottom housings, which provide a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in housing materials between the Firefly and MX Silent Red ultimately result in unique sound profiles and potentially different typing experiences for users.
Overall, while both the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon for their bottom housings to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, their top housings set them apart. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, as well as the added benefit of translucency for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but lacks the visual appeal of a translucent material. Depending on personal preference for sound and aesthetics, users may find one switch more appealing than the other based on the unique qualities each housing material brings to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it can be observed that the Firefly requires a lighter force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. This means that the Firefly may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, so it is difficult to determine which one requires a heavier force for fully pressing down the key. Overall, the actuation force of the Firefly is lighter than the Silent Red, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red, which means it may feel a bit more substantial when you press down on the key. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may result in a faster response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the MX Silent Red may be the better option, but if you prefer a more substantial key press, the Dareu Firefly may be more to your liking.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 provides a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. This slight squeak adds a whimsical element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky sound profile that minimizes noise and provides a deep, satisfying sound when pressed. The low-pitched nature of the MX Silent Red adds a sense of sophistication to the typing experience. Both switches excel in providing different auditory experiences, with the Firefly being more playful and the MX Silent Red being more refined.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch offers an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, where there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this tactile feedback, while others may opt for a smoother typing experience. Both switches excel in providing unique tactile sensations, with the Firefly focusing on ease of typing and the MX Silent Red offering a textured feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, making it a playful and comfortable option for typing. Meanwhile, the MX Silent Red offers a muted, thocky sound and a textured feel, creating a refined and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Whether you go for the playful chirp of the Firefly or the sophisticated thock of the MX Silent Red, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a light actuation with a hint of clickiness and a very quiet typing experience, the Firefly switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel, a silent operation, and a significantly quieter sound profile, the MX Silent Red switch could be more suitable. Consider whether you prioritize a chirpy switch or a muted, thocky, low-pitched switch, as well as if you prefer an easy-to-press feel or a textured one. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be able to make an informed decision that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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