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Dareu Firefly vs. Bsun Olive

An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Olive offer unique experiences for users. The Firefly switch is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness, making it ideal for those looking for an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch stands out with its all-POM housings that deliver a resonant and deep sound, paired with a pronounced tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. While the Firefly switch may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience, the Bsun Olive switch offers a more invigorating and sharp feel. 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

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 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

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POM

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Dareu Firefly and Bsun Olive switches both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Olive's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly allows for RGB lighting effects, while the POM top housing of the Olive offers a more understated look. Both switches use different materials for their bottom housing - nylon for the Firefly and POM for the Olive - resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches.

While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combination result in a clear and resonant sound profile, the Olive's POM top and bottom housings create a unique deep and muted sound. The differences in housing materials between the two switches ultimately impact the sound produced when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience based on their respective housing materials.

In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Bsun Olive switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing in the Firefly and the POM top housing in the Olive offer distinct characteristics in terms of pitch and depth. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly and the POM bottom housing of the Olive contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch. While there are differences in sound profiles between the two switches, they both provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users based on their housing materials.

Weight

The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Bsun Olive tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Firefly does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Olive has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for a more effortless typing experience, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Olive for a more substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether a lighter or heavier actuation force is desired.

Travel distance

The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Firefly has a longer travel distance compared to the Olive. The Firefly's 4.0mm distance is closer to the traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Olive's 3.4mm distance is shallower, making it preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a deeper or shallower key press experience.

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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.

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

Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we can see that there is a clear difference in sound and feel. The Firefly switch offers a quieter, light actuation with a hint of clickiness, giving it a chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Olive switch provides a deep, resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, resulting in an invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. While the Firefly may be more subtle in both sound and feel compared to the Olive, they both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a quieter, lighter typing experience with the Firefly, or a more pronounced, tactile typing experience with the Olive.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Olive tactile switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you're looking for a quieter and easy-to-press switch with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with pronounced tactile feedback, a sharp bottom-out, and a deep, resonant sound, the Olive switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing feel and sound profile that best suits your preferences and needs.

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