Dareu Firefly vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Haimu Neo White offer unique experiences for users seeking different typing sensations. The Firefly switch is a tactile switch that provides a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it easy-to-press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Neo White switch is a linear switch with medium weight and reduced total travel, offering a smooth actuation and a neutral typing feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a hint of tactile feedback, the Firefly switch may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a smooth and satisfying keystroke without any distractions, the Neo White switch could be the perfect match for you. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Haimu Neo White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the lighting to shine through. In terms of sound, both switches would offer similar results when it comes to the top housing, as they both utilize polycarbonate for this component.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Firefly boasts a nylon material which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Neo White's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials would lead to a noticeable difference in the typing experience between the two switches, with the Firefly providing a more muted and solid feel compared to the Neo White.
Overall, the split between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Firefly and Neo White switches showcases how different materials can affect the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches offer a crisp sound profile in the top housing due to the use of polycarbonate, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper typing experience compared to the Neo White's polycarbonate bottom housing. This demonstrates how the choice of housing materials can influence the overall performance and user experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Neo White, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Neo White has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Firefly, whose bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Firefly, while those who prefer a more forceful keystroke may prefer the Neo White. Both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White. A 0.4 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the feel and response of the switch. For those who prefer a deeper key press and more feedback, the Firefly may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Neo White with its shorter travel distance might be favored by those who prioritize speed and quick response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that the user is looking for in a keyboard.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a unique chirpy sound profile that sets it apart from other switches, providing a slightly squeaky sound with each press. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Firefly may appeal more to those who enjoy a bit of quirkiness in their keyboard sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Firefly is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a light and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing smooth and responsive actuation, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Haimu Neo White switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a unique chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, while the Neo White offers a neutral sound and a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the quirky sound of the Firefly or the versatile feel of the Neo White to suit their typing needs. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a light actuation force with a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Firefly switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a satisfying and moderately pronounced typing feel, the Neo White switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and the setting in which you will be using the keyboard. Choose wisely to enhance your overall typing experience.
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