Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch. The Firefly switch from Dareu offers a unique take on clicky switches by providing a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the light actuation and subtle clickiness that many users enjoy. It is known for being easy to press and having a chirpy feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch is a classic clicky switch with a loud and satisfying click sound. While the Firefly may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience, the Gold switch is preferred by users who enjoy the classic clicky sound. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Gold utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also adds a visually appealing translucent quality to the switches. This indicates that both switches will offer similar sound characteristics and aesthetics due to their shared top housing material.
On the other hand, the Firefly and the Gold differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Gold also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, indicating that both switches will offer a similar typing experience with regards to sound depth and texture. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a more muted sound and a more satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Gold share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, they offer slightly different typing experiences. The Firefly's combination of sharper sound from the top polycarbonate housing and deeper sound from the nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold will also provide a similar typing experience with a balance of crispness from the top housing and a fuller sound from the bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches offer a blend of sound qualities that cater to different preferences of mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the actuation force of the Firefly is lighter at 40 grams compared to the Gold's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Outemu Gold is heavier at 60 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Outemu Gold requires a slightly heavier touch to activate the switch and press all the way down compared to the Dareu Firefly. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Firefly may be the better option, while the Gold may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation depth regardless of which switch they choose. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, providing users with a consistent typing experience no matter which switch they opt for.
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 Gold 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 provides a unique and chirpy experience with a light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, making it stand out from traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not provided. If this switch is similar to other clicky switches, it may offer a more tactile and pronounced feedback during key presses.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its quiet and unique sound profile, as well as its easy-to-press and comfortable typing experience. While information about the Outemu Gold clicky switch is limited, it may provide a more traditional clicky typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a keyboard to see which one suits your typing style best would be the ideal way to determine the right choice for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a quiet switch with a light actuation force and a subtle clickiness, the Firefly would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a classic clicky sound, the Gold switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing feel and sound you enjoy. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style to enhance your overall typing experience.
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