Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Black, a linear switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Firefly switch from Dareu offers a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch is known for its smooth linear actuation without any tactile feedback, providing a consistent keystroke with each press. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Black both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal choices for switches designed for RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the overall aesthetic of the switch. However, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Black's polycarbonate bottom housing, as nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housings may impact the overall typing experience on each switch.
While both the Firefly and the Black share similar qualities in their top housing material, their bottom housings differ in material and sound profile. The split between the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Black highlights how each material affects the typing experience differently. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound elicited by nylon. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the sharp and crisp sound profile of polycarbonate. This distinction in housing materials showcases how the design of a switch can affect the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Black comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Firefly providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Black offers a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. Whether you prefer a more resonant typing experience or a clear and defined sound, each switch's housing materials play a crucial role in shaping your overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is clear that the Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Black. The Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Black has an actuation force of 65 grams, making the Firefly the lighter of the two. Additionally, the Firefly does not have a specified bottom out force, whereas the Black has a bottom out force of 82 grams, indicating that the Black switch requires more force to fully press down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Firefly may be more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier Black switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the feel and experience of using a particular switch.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, it can be said that they offer a consistent and familiar experience in terms of keypress feel. Both switches provide a moderate travel distance, giving users a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, the 4 mm travel distance is ideal for those who prefer a balance between key travel and typing speed. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Firefly or the Outemu Black, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance and typing 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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique chirpy sound that adds a subtle character to your typing experience, making it stand out from other switches. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a specific sound description available, but linear switches typically provide a smooth and quiet typing experience. Depending on your preference for a quieter or more distinct sound profile, you may lean towards the Firefly for its chirpy sound or the Black for its smooth and quiet operation.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force not only makes typing effortless and comfortable but also reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch is not provided. However, linear switches are generally known for their smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation, offering a different typing experience compared to tactile switches.
Considering the information available, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize a distinct auditory feedback and light actuation force. In comparison, the Outemu Black linear switch is a reliable option for users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, even though specific details on its sound and feel qualities are not available. Ultimately, both switches offer different characteristics that cater to individual preferences, and choosing between them will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and light tactile switch with easy-to-press actuation, the Dareu Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy linear switch and don't mind the lack of specific sound and feel descriptions, the Outemu Black switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the Firefly and Black switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Consider what qualities are important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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