Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cold Plum offer distinct features for different preferences. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a quiet yet light actuation with a hint of clickiness, making it easy to press and enjoyable to type on. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum is a linear switch known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, offering a unique typing experience with a satisfying sound. While the Firefly is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback, the Cold Plum is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel with a satisfying sound profile. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cold Plum, it's evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. While both switches share this characteristic, the difference lies in their top housing materials. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a contrasting auditory experience.
Furthermore, the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucency that makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback for users. On the other hand, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing, while lacking the translucency of polycarbonate, provides a different tactile experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The dichotomy between the two housing materials is evident in the sound and feel each switch offers, catering to individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Interestingly, the allocation of different housing materials for the top and bottom parts of the switches impacts the overall sound and feel of each key press. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom, influencing the sound and tactile feedback during key presses. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division in housing materials highlights the intricate design considerations that manufacturers like Dareu and Outemu take into account to provide users with varied and customizable typing experiences.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the Firefly requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Cold Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Cold Plum switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel when pressing the keys all the way down. Overall, those looking for a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Dareu Firefly switch, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may prefer the Outemu Cold Plum switch for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has the shorter travel distance, providing a quicker response time preferred by many gamers. On the other hand, the Firefly offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 Cold Plum 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 adds a bit of character to the typing experience without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying noise with each key press. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is praised for being easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This can lead to a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum switch's feel is not specified, making it harder to directly compare to the Firefly in this aspect. However, linear switches generally offer a smooth keystroke with a consistent feel across all keys.
Overall, both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a light actuation force and chirpy sound or a smooth keystroke with a thocky sound profile, both switches offer a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you are looking for a quiet switch with a light actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound profile, medium-heavy bottom out force, and a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum could be more to your liking. Whether you prioritize a distinct typing experience or a comfortable and effortless typing feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. It's essential to try out both switches or consider your typing style and preferences to determine which one will enhance your overall typing experience.
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