Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and KTT Orange offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer easy-to-press keys without the classic clicky sound. On the other hand, the KTT Orange is a linear switch known for its bouncy feel and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its long spring and factory-lubing. While the Firefly is categorized as 'Chirpy', the Orange is labeled as 'Bouncy' and 'Low-pitched'. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Orange, 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, which leads to a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softness and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Orange uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
When looking at the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, differences arise between the Firefly and the Orange. The bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will elicit a rounder and duller sound, while switches with a polycarbonate bottom housing will have a clearer and sharper sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the top housing of both the Firefly and the Orange, being polycarbonate, will contribute to the sharp and resonant sound profile when keys are released.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Orange both utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the clear and resonant sound associated with polycarbonate. Understanding the split impact of top and bottom housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, making the Firefly easier to press for keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, while the Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that while the Firefly may have a lighter initial press, the Orange requires more force to fully bottom out. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces can impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for extended typing sessions, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel for the user.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Firefly has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Orange has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel, while the Orange's 3.5 mm travel distance could offer a faster response time that appeals to gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, but either option could provide a satisfactory typing experience depending on the user's preferences.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 offers a chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, providing a unique acoustic experience for the user. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow, creating a different auditory experience during typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Firefly being more chirpy and the Orange having a low-pitched tone.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This switch offers gentle resistance during key presses, reducing finger fatigue and providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and spring-like feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Orange switch boasts a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction during key presses, providing a smooth and fluid travel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Firefly being easy-to-press and the Orange being bouncy and frictionless.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and KTT Orange switches provide users with unique sound and feel characteristics that can cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a chirpy sound with easy-to-press keys or a low-pitched sound with bouncy and frictionless key presses, both switches offer quality performance in their respective categories. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience, but rest assured that you will get a satisfying typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
Therefore, in choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a quiet and light actuation switch with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the right choice for you. It offers an easy-to-press feel with minimal resistance, making typing a breeze. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switch may be more suited to your preferences. Its springy feel and smooth key travel enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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