Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Lotus 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 and the Outemu Lotus. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation and light actuation, providing a gentle clicky feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is a linear switch with no specific standout feature. The Firefly is best suited for those who prefer an easy-to-press switch with a subtle clickiness, while the Lotus may appeal to those seeking a straightforward linear feel. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Lotus feature top housings that are made of different materials. The Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Lotus's nylon top housing is a classic choice for a more traditional switch sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Firefly and the Lotus use nylon. This classic switch housing material is conducive to a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. The differences in sound between the two switches will mainly come from the top housings, as the bottom housing's impact is more focused on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Overall, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more rounded and dull sound profile compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
While the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Lotus have different top housings, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing results in a similar sound profile when typing. The top housing materials, polycarbonate for the Firefly and nylon for the Lotus, each bring unique characteristics to the switches' sound profiles. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Regardless of these differences, both switches benefit from the absorbent nature of nylon in the bottom housing, contributing to an overall improved sound quality when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Lotus at 35 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus requires a heavier force of 50 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Lotus with its heavier bottom out force. In both cases, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force but will feel a difference when it comes to the force required to bottom out.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, we find that the Firefly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Firefly the longer option and the Lotus the shorter option. The traditional travel distance is around 4 mm, making the Firefly more in line with this standard. However, the Lotus offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a deeper, more substantial key press, the Firefly may be the better option, while those looking for a quicker response may prefer the Lotus. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their individual needs and preferences.
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 Lotus 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 switch offers a chirpy experience with a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switch's sound profile is currently unknown. Depending on your preference for a quieter or more distinct sound, the Firefly may be the better choice for those seeking a softer typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Firefly is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force provides a comfortable typing experience that can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Lotus switch are not available at this time. If you prefer a switch that is responsive and low-impact, the Firefly may be the more suitable option for you.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience with a hint of clickiness in its sound profile. While information on the Outemu Lotus switch is limited, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound signature and gentle resistance during key presses, the Firefly may be the ideal choice for you. Remember that individual preferences play a significant role in selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, so it's essential to consider all available information before making your decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a quiet and light actuation switch with a hint of clickiness, then the Firefly switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, then the Lotus switch may be more suitable for you. Consider your typing needs and preferences when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics and it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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