Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer unique experiences for users. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that stands out for its quiet operation, with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch that features a dustproof design, ensuring longevity and reliability. While the Firefly is known for being 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the Dustproof Silent Ocean does not have specific standout features. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Firefly and the Silent Ocean differ in their bottom housings, with the Firefly using nylon and the Silent Ocean also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softness of nylon which absorbs more sound, creating a rounder tone.
While both the Firefly and the Silent Ocean share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials affects the typing experience on each switch. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. This shows how the choice of housing materials can affect not only the sound profile but also the typing sensation for users.
Ultimately, the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer similar sound profiles due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the Firefly's nylon and the Silent Ocean's nylon may lead to slight variations in sound and typing experience. Both switches offer a unique blend of qualities from their housing materials, with the Firefly providing a sharper sound profile and the Silent Ocean delivering a fuller sound. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly is lighter in both aspects compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean. The Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. Additionally, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. This means that those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Firefly, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Dustproof Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see that the Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 3.3 mm. This means that the Firefly offers a deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, with the Firefly catering to a preference for depth and the Dustproof Silent Ocean catering to a preference for quickness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Silent Ocean 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 has a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches on the market. This switch offers a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, but without the classic resonant clicky sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a known sound description. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
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 enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, there is no known description of the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is a great option for those who prefer a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience, with a unique chirpy sound and light actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch may offer a different typing experience, but the lack of information on its sound and feel makes it difficult to directly compare to the Firefly. If you enjoy the qualities of the Firefly, you may get similar results by choosing a switch with similar characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, as well as a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, then the Firefly switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with silent operation, and are not concerned with sound or feel descriptors, then the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style.
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