Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their tactile characteristics. The Firefly is a tactile switch with a unique twist, offering a quiet typing experience with light actuation and a subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is also a tactile switch but lacks specific standout features. It provides a standard tactile feedback without any distinct qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 Crystal Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to both switches. However, despite having the same top housing material, the Firefly and the Crystal Brown differ in their bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Crystal Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite having different top housings, both switches share the benefits of using nylon in the bottom housing, providing a unique sound and feel when typing.
In summary, while both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Crystal Brown have polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and resonant sound profile, they feature nylon bottom housings that offer a deeper and fuller typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a dynamic typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences, making them distinct choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 45 grams. This means that the Firefly will require slightly less force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown is heavier at 55 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Crystal Brown will provide a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel compared to the Firefly. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Firefly for a smoother typing experience, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may opt for the Crystal Brown for a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In terms of travel distance, both switches are equal. Users can expect a consistent tactile feedback experience with either switch, making them both excellent options for those looking for a tactile 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 Crystal 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 is known for its chirpy and unique acoustic signature, providing a light actuation with a subtle clickiness. In comparison, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so individual preferences will play a significant role in determining which switch is more favorable in terms of sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Conversely, information on the feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is unavailable, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches based on feel alone. However, if the Crystal Brown switch has similar characteristics in terms of ease of pressing and tactile feedback, users can expect a comparable typing experience to that of the Firefly switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is distinguished by its quiet yet slightly clicky sound profile and easy-to-press feel, making it a favorable option for those seeking a gentle typing experience with minimal noise. While limited information is available on the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, if it exhibits qualities similar to the Firefly switch in terms of sound and feel, users can anticipate comparable results in their typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for each individual's typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and light tactile switch with a unique clicky feel, the Dareu Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile switch with a traditional feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch may be more up your alley. Consider your typing preferences, noise tolerance, and desired actuation force when making your decision on which switch to choose for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches will depend on what typing experience you are looking for.
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