Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cream Blue offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness, making it perfect for those who prefer a more discreet typing noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that offers a more traditional clicky sound while typing. Each switch has its own strengths, with the Firefly being easy-to-press and chirpy, and the Cream Blue offering a satisfying clicky sound. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cream Blue, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of a switch typically results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This means that both the Firefly and the Cream Blue will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
However, when looking at the top housing materials, we see a difference between the two switches. The Firefly uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. On the other hand, the Cream Blue utilizes nylon for its top housing, which again results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials means that the Firefly may have a more clear and resonant sound when the keys are released, while the Cream Blue will offer a rounder and duller sound in the same scenario.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. With the Dareu Firefly featuring polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, and the Outemu Cream Blue using nylon for both top and bottom housings, users can expect different sound profiles and typing experiences with each switch. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Cream Blue is the heavier of the two. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Cream Blue's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue requires 65 grams of force, whereas the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. In this case, users can expect a more substantial typing experience with the Cream Blue due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and desired force requirements. Both switches offer different weights, catering to those who prefer lighter or heavier keypresses for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. 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. The tactile sensation and clicky sound may vary between the two switches, but in terms of travel distance, they both offer a consistent experience. Whether you choose the Firefly or the Cream Blue, you can expect a 4 mm travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 Cream Blue 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
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch is unique in the mechanical keyboard world for its quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, offering a chirpy sound that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. This switch provides a gentle resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have a specific sound description provided, but typical clicky switches are known for their loud and satisfying click sound. The feel of the Cream Blue switch is unknown, but clicky switches usually offer a tactile bump during actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Cream Blue switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a quieter alternative to traditional clicky switches with a gentle actuation, while the Cream Blue is likely to offer a louder and more tactile typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to individual preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, in choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are looking for a quiet switch with a light actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a classic clicky sound and higher bottom out force, the Cream Blue could be a better fit. Consider your typing environment, noise tolerance, and preferred typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make your choice based on what suits your needs best.
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