Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, one of the key differences lies in their sound profiles. The Firefly switch from Dareu offers a unique take on clicky switches, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a slight hint of clickiness, categorized as easy to press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is known for its distinct clicky sound. These differences in sound may appeal to different preferences, with the Firefly offering a more subdued typing experience while the Milk Blue provides a more traditional clicky 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Milk Blue switches share some similarities, as they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature that leads to clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering an aesthetically pleasing element to the overall design. Despite these similarities, the Firefly and Milk Blue switches differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Firefly housing featuring nylon and the Milk Blue featuring polycarbonate in the bottom housing.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Firefly switch results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound overall, providing a different typing experience than switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch utilizes polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, which may result in a more consistent typing experience throughout the entire keystroke. While the top housing of a switch impacts the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt more during the process of bottoming out a key.
Overall, the different housing materials used in the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Milk Blue switches contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Firefly switch creates a dynamic range of sounds, with a sharper top housing and a deeper bottom housing. In comparison, the Milk Blue switch maintains a more consistent sound profile due to its uniform use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings. By understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that best suit their preferences for typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Milk Blue's 50 grams. This means that the Firefly will require less force to trigger a keystroke, which may be preferred by individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which switch provides a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. Ultimately, individuals who enjoy a lighter touch while typing may lean towards the Dareu Firefly, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Outemu Milk Blue.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. This similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a 4 mm travel distance. Overall, the Firefly and Milk Blue switches provide a similar tactile feel and audible click sound, making them suitable options for those who enjoy a switch with a moderate 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 Milk 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 experience with its chirpy sound, which adds a subtle squeak to each key press. This distinctive acoustic signature sets it apart from traditional clicky switches, providing a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, both switches can offer a satisfying auditory feedback depending on the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate each key. This light actuation force enables a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the contrary, information regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is not provided, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. Nevertheless, if the Milk Blue switch has a tactile bump similar to the Firefly, users can expect a tactile and responsive typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch shines for its quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, along with its easy-to-press nature that enhances typing comfort. While details about the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are limited, it is clear that both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you appreciate a quiet and light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, then the Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a classic clicky sound and a more tactile feel, the Milk Blue switch may be more suitable. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when selecting the switch that best fits your typing style.
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