Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron New North Pole V2 stand out as top contenders. The Firefly, a tactile switch, offers an unique take on clicky switches with its quiet yet light actuation, making it easy to press with a hint of clickiness, earning it the labels 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy'. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 from Gateron, a linear switch, provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel that users love, marked by its 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless' characteristics. Each switch offers distinct advantages depending on user preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Firefly also includes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gateron's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, emphasizing the sharp and clear sound profile that this material provides. As a result, the switch maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. While the Firefly's combination of polycarbonate and nylon splits the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch, the New North Pole V2 offers a more uniform sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their housing materials, enhancing the overall sound and aesthetic appeal of the switches.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. With the Firefly's nylon bottom housing, typists can expect a deeper and fuller sound with each keystroke, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to a sharp and clear sound profile. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate providing a crisper sound compared to nylon. Overall, while both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, the differences in material composition ultimately result in distinct typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the New North Pole V2 at 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 is heavier at 62.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown. This means that the Firefly may offer a lighter typing experience, which could be more comfortable for extended use, while the New North Pole V2 provides a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of the switch, with some users preferring lighter forces for longer typing sessions and others opting for heavier forces for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and keypress experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent actuation and bottom-out points on both switches, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a standard travel distance. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches as they offer equal keypress feedback and performance.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 is characterized as having a chirpy and unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch's sound profile is unknown. If you are looking for a switch with a distinctive sound, the Firefly may be the better choice for you.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a typing experience that is effortless, comfortable, and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a switch that offers a silky sensation and minimal resistance, the New North Pole V2 may be more to your liking.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a unique and chirpy sound profile, as well as a light and easy-to-press typing feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is a great option. However, if you prefer a switch with a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience that glides effortlessly under your fingers, the Gateron New North Pole V2 may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what sound and feel you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, you should choose the Firefly if you are looking for a quiet switch with a light actuation force and a unique hint of clickiness. The Firefly offers an easy-to-press feel that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a frictionless glide, the New North Pole V2 is the way to go. The New North Pole V2 provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel that offers smooth key travel and a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.