Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options to consider are the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Neptune. The Firefly, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a unique approach to clicky switches with its quiet operation and light actuation—a subtle hint of clickiness without the classic resonant sound that often accompanies such switches. This makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback while maintaining a more subdued auditory profile. In contrast, the TTC Neptune is a linear switch designed for a smooth, frictionless glide, characterized by its light weight, thocky sound signature, and springy resistance that some liken to the sensation of chewing mochi or tapioca pearls. For users who prioritize a silky typing experience without distraction, the Neptune offers a compelling alternative. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the TTC Neptune keyboards demonstrate significant differences in their choice of housing materials, each influencing the overall sound profile and tactile experience in distinct ways. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffer plastic nature. This quality makes it particularly favorable for RGB lighting setups, as its translucency enhances the visual experience while providing clarity in acoustics. In contrast, the Neptune opts for a POM top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound, creating an overall warmer audio experience. The disparity between the materials immediately suggests that these two keyboards will deliver different auditory feedback during use, with the Firefly favoring brightness and clarity, while the Neptune leans towards a more subdued and rich auditory signature.
When examining the bottom housing of both keyboards, the materials chosen further emphasize their contrasting sound characteristics. The Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer plastic composition absorbs sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience that enhances the overall tactile sensation when typing. Meanwhile, the Neptune employs a polycarbonate bottom housing that mirrors the characteristics seen in its top housing. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate facilitate a sharper and more resonant sound, making it more aligned with the auditory qualities of the Firefly's top housing. This means that while the two keyboards differ in the top housing materials, the same polycarbonate used in the Neptune's bottom housing can lead to clearer sound output, albeit with a different overall feel.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials used in the Dareu Firefly and TTC Neptune affect both the sound profile and user experience, resulting in diverse keyboard performances. The Firefly, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, emphasizes crispness and depth while maintaining clarity in sound, catering to those who enjoy a bright auditory experience. The Neptune, with its POM top and polycarbonate bottom, offers a deeper, more muted sound but retains some sharpness just due to the bottom housing material. Thus, while the two keyboards may achieve some level of similarity in sound clarity due to their shared use of polycarbonate in different components, users will ultimately experience varying sound characteristics and typing sensations based on the distinct materials employed.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch with the TTC Neptune linear switch, the actuation forces are slightly different, with the Firefly having an actuation force of 40 grams and the Neptune at 41 grams. This makes the Firefly the lighter option, which can be more suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Neptune has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that the Neptune provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which might appeal to users who prefer a stronger push and a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch for extended use should gravitate towards the Firefly, while those who appreciate a heavier feedback should consider the Neptune.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Firefly offers a more pronounced depth, appealing to users who prefer a richer typing experience. On the other hand, the Neptune’s 3.8 mm travel distance provides a quicker response, which may be more suited for gamers who favor swift actions. As a result, those who lean towards a shorter travel distance might find the Neptune to be a more responsive option, while those who enjoy a sturdier feel may opt for the Firefly's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the feel and responsiveness desired during use.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 features a unique chirpy quality that sets it apart from more traditional clicky switches. Its design minimizes the classic resonant click, resulting in a sound that is quieter and softer, making it suitable for those seeking a less intrusive typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Neptune switch is characterized by its low-pitched, muted sound profile, which lends itself a thocky quality that produces a richer and deeper sound when pressed. This makes the Neptune more subdued than many other switches, while still maintaining a satisfying audible feedback that’s enjoyable to type on. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to offers a quieter typing experience compared to more standard clicky options, making them more versatile for various typing environments.
In terms of feel, the Firefly offers an easy-to-press experience with its gentle resistance, allowing for minimal force during activation. This makes it a great choice for prolonged typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch provides an exceptionally smooth and buttery feel, characterized by its frictionless glide that makes each keystroke feel seamless. The Neptune introduces a unique gummy sensation when bottoming out, similar to a trampoline effect, creating an engaging typing experience. While the Firefly focuses on light actuation for ease of pressing, the Neptune combines this with a polished, premium feel that invokes a bit more texture.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Firefly and TTC Neptune switches differ significantly in terms of sound and tactile feedback, they both cater to users looking for quieter options compared to traditional clicky switches. The Firefly leans into a more subdued chirpy sound with an emphasis on effortless actuation, while the Neptune balances smoothness with a rich thocky sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize lightness and ease of pressing or a smooth and textured typing sensation. Both offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, making them excellent options for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch should be guided by your preferences for sound and typing experience. If you enjoy a quiet yet slightly clicky feel while typing, the Firefly is an excellent option. Its easy-to-press design makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue, which can benefit you if you spend hours at your keyboard. Furthermore, if you appreciate a chirpy sound profile that subtly stands out without being disruptive, the Firefly is sure to enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more effortless keystroke with a pleasant thocky sound, the TTC Neptune is your go-to switch. Its unique structure provides a frictionless, buttery feel that can make even the most mundane typing tasks feel enjoyable and satisfying. The Neptune's muted acoustic signature also ensures that you can work or game without attracting attention for loud typing. In the end, it boils down to what you prioritize in your typing experience—whether it's the tactile feedback and unique sound of the Firefly or the smooth, thocky allure of the Neptune.
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