Dareu Firefly vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, a linear switch. The Firefly is known for its unique take on clicky switches, offering a very light actuation with a hint of clickiness while remaining quiet, making it a great option for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response and instant triggering, making it ideal for gamers looking for maximum speed and precision in their keystrokes. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that they will both have a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. However, the Firefly is designed with RGB lighting in mind, so the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially useful for showcasing these lighting effects. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver uses nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This results in a difference in sound experience between the two switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Firefly and the MX Speed Silver use nylon for this component. This means that they will both have a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material for the bottom of the switches may lead to a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials of switches are divided between the top and bottom components. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Speed Silver may result in variations in sound profiles and typing experiences, especially when it comes to keypress and key release sounds.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we can see that the MX Speed Silver requires a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Firefly's 40 grams. This means that the MX Speed Silver will be easier to type on for longer periods without causing fatigue. Additionally, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so we can assume that they may provide similar results in terms of the force required to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the Firefly may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier typing experience, while the MX Speed Silver may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance is more in line with traditional switches, providing a more hearty depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver's 3.4 mm travel distance is considered shallow and preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the MX Speed Silver, while others who enjoy a deeper press may prefer the Firefly.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound, which is characterized by a unique squeak that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying tone with each key press. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch is easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions and enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, meaning it may have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience without as much friction.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches excel in their respective qualities. The Firefly is quiet and easy to press, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle tactile feedback, while the MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response and delivers a satisfying sound with each keystroke. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, either switch can provide a high-quality performance for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider your priorities. If you value a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if rapid response time, full height for maximum speed, and instant triggering are crucial for gaming performance, the MX Speed Silver could be the optimal selection. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a chirpy, easy-to-press switch or a thocky, low-pitched switch that offers textured feedback. Choose wisely based on your specific needs and preferences to enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.
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