Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Brown. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that offers a unique take on clicky switches, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is also a tactile switch but is known for its lack of distinct characteristics. If you're looking for an easy-to-press and chirpy switch, the Firefly may be the way to go. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Brown both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This means that both switches will provide a clear and resonant sound when typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also makes the switches more aesthetically pleasing, especially when used with RGB lighting. However, the Firefly and Brown differ in their bottom housing material, with the Firefly using nylon and the Brown also utilizing nylon. The nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Despite both switches having similar polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their nylon bottom housing will impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more noticeable when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a distinct sound profile for each switch. On the other hand, the qualities of the top housing, such as the sound when letting go of a key, will also play a role in the overall sound profile of the switches. It is important to consider how the combination of different housing materials affects the typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Brown share polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, their use of nylon bottom housing creates differences in the overall sound experience. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a similar experience. Understanding how the housing materials impact the sound and feel of each switch can help individuals choose the best option based on their preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to its unique sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Firefly is on the lighter side with an actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is heavier, with an actuation force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but it is generally assumed that the Outemu Brown's bottom out force of 65 grams is medium-heavy. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter touch would opt for the Firefly, while those desiring a stronger push feel would lean towards the Outemu Brown for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Brown tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches, ensuring that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation. Having an equal travel distance means that whether you choose the Dareu Firefly or the Outemu Brown, you can rely on a consistent typing experience with neither switch offering a shorter or longer travel distance than the other.
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 Brown 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 sets it apart from other switches. This distinctive acoustic signature provides a subtle yet satisfying auditory feedback during typing without the traditional clicky noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for its easy-to-press nature. With minimal force required for actuation, these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The low impact and responsive feel of the Firefly switches can enhance typing comfort and reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Unfortunately, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have any specific descriptions available regarding its tactile feel, making it challenging to compare the two switches in this aspect.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a suitable option for those looking for a quieter typing experience with gentle key presses. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Brown tactile switch remain unknown, it's worth noting that both switches fall under the tactile switch category, so you can expect similar tactile feedback from both options. Consider factors such as sound preference, typing comfort, and personal typing habits when choosing between these two switches to find the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a quieter switch with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a traditional tactile feel, the Outemu Brown could be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and key feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that suits your needs best. Happy typing!
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