Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Dustproof Black offer unique experiences to cater to different preferences. The Firefly switch from Dareu is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it perfect for those looking for an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black is a linear switch with no specific standout feature mentioned, offering a straightforward typing experience. Both switches have their own merits, but diving deeper into their characteristics will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Dustproof Black utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. With both switches featuring the same material for their top housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Firefly and the Dustproof Black opt for nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper profile created by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite the differences in the top housing material, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent feel and sound when typing.
The division between the top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Firefly and Dustproof Black allows for a balance of qualities in both the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing, being made of nylon in both cases, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing, made of polycarbonate, influences the sound when a key is released, providing a crisp and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience tailored to the preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their force requirements. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Dustproof Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Additionally, the Firefly has no specified bottom out force, while the Dustproof Black has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Firefly provides a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Dustproof Black offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Firefly providing a lighter touch and the Dustproof Black a heavier touch.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will receive consistent results in terms of the tactile feedback and keystroke distance when using either switch. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and consistent typing experience due to their equal travel distance.
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 Dustproof Black 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is best described as chirpy, offering a unique acoustic signature with a hint of clickiness that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have any known sound descriptors. When considering sound factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, you can expect a quieter typing experience with the Firefly switch compared to the Dustproof Black.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force provides an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Firefly switch enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. As for the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, there is no specific information available about its tactile feel.
Taking into consideration all available information, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique and quieter sound experience with its chirpy characteristics, along with an easy-to-press and comfortable typing feel. While details about the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch's sound and feel are unknown, it's important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience for your needs. Ultimately, the Firefly and Dustproof Black switches may provide similar results in terms of their overall performance, depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, you should keep in mind the differences in bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter actuation with a quiet, clicky feel, then the Firefly switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and linear switches, the Dustproof Black switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and needs. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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