Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both switches fall under the tactile category. The Firefly switch offers a unique experience with its quiet operation and light actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle clickiness. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch, while lacking specific standout features, still provides a tactile feel without any additional characteristics. Each switch caters to a different preference in terms of sound and feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
The Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cream Yellow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, while the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Cream Yellow also uses nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar experience in terms of sound quality. Both switches benefit from the sound absorption properties of nylon, creating a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to the ear.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dareu Firefly allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing of the Outemu Cream Yellow provides a classic look that complements its sound profile. While the Firefly combines different housing materials for the top and bottom, splitting the qualities each material brings to the switch, the Cream Yellow maintains consistency with nylon housing throughout. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Cream Yellow comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. The Firefly's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials provides a diverse sound profile that appeals to those seeking a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's consistent use of nylon housing throughout offers a more uniform sound quality. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches deliver excellent performance thanks to their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 60 grams to bottom out, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for longer typing sessions, while those who like a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow. Both switches provide tactile feedback, but the Cream Yellow offers a bit more resistance with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly. The Firefly with its 4 mm of travel distance would provide a slightly deeper key press compared to the Cream Yellow. Depending on personal preference, gamers may opt for the Cream Yellow for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while others may prefer the Firefly for a more substantial key press experience. Both switches offer their own unique feel, so it ultimately comes down to individual preference when choosing between the two.
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 Yellow 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 is known for its chirpy sound, which adds a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, with the Firefly's distinct chirpy sound, you can expect a subtly different auditory experience compared to traditional clicky switches.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force can make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. It provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the contrary, the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is unspecified, making it challenging to compare directly in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, which can contribute to a pleasant and comfortable typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch are unknown, you may anticipate a similar typing experience if its characteristics align with those of the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Firefly if you prefer a clicky switch that is very quiet with a light actuation and minimal bottom out force. This switch offers a unique typing experience with its gentle resistance and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, opt for the Cream Yellow if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with a different feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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