Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Dustproof Blue offer unique features to consider. The Firefly, a tactile switch, stands out for its quiet nature and light actuation, providing a subtle clickiness without the traditional loud sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch, is known for its durability with a dustproof design. While the Firefly is ideal for those seeking an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience, the Dustproof Blue may appeal to individuals looking for a reliable switch that can withstand environmental factors. 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
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 Blue use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. Although both switches use the same material for their top housings, the design and implementation of the polycarbonate may vary slightly, resulting in subtle differences in sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Firefly and the Dustproof Blue utilize nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon for the bottom housing of both switches offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly deep sound feedback. While the top housing may contribute to the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Given that both switches share similarities in their housing materials, users can expect similar sound profiles and typing experiences from the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Dustproof Blue. The combination of polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, paired with nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, results in a well-rounded typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with a crisper feel or a deeper sound with a rounder feel, both switches offer a blend of qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard customization.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch is lighter in actuation force compared to the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, with the Firefly requiring 40 grams to actuate while the Dustproof Blue requires 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dustproof Blue is heavier at 65 grams, compared to the Firefly's unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for longer typing or gaming sessions, whereas those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Dustproof Blue. In choosing between the two switches, users should consider their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience to determine which switch will best suit their needs.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance from the top to the bottom. This can provide a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a certain travel distance for their switches. Whether you choose the Firefly or the Dustproof Blue, you can expect to get similar results in terms of 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 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique and quiet experience with a subtle chirpy sound that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch lacks a specific sound descriptor, which may indicate a more standard clicky switch sound. Sound preference is subjective, so whether you prefer the quiet chirp of the Firefly or the potentially louder click of the Dustproof Blue will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is lauded for its easy-to-press quality, providing a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force offers a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Dustproof Blue switch's feel is unspecified, leaving uncertainty about how it compares in tactile sensation to the Firefly. If it is similar in feel to the easy-to-press nature of the Firefly, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with minimal effort required.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique and quiet typing experience with its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch are not explicitly described, users can still expect a standard clicky sound and potentially similar tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience with a hint of clickiness, then the Dareu Firefly switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a classic clicky sound, then the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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