Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference in tactile feedback and typing experience. The Dareu Firefly switch stands out as a unique tactile option, offering a quiet yet satisfying typing experience with its light actuation and subtle clickiness, appealing to those who prefer a gentle tactile response without the traditional loud click. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach switch is a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness and rapid key presses, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who seek a fluid keystroke without any tactile bumps or audible clicks. Each switch has its advantages: the Firefly for its quietude and responsive feel, and the Milk Peach for its seamless performance. 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
N/A
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
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 Dareu Firefly and Outemu Milk Peach switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. Due to the inherent properties of polycarbonate—a stiffer plastic known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile—both switches achieve a crisp and resonant auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Users will likely appreciate the clarity and vibrancy of the sound when typing or gaming, as both switches are designed to maximize the benefits of their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, while both the Firefly and Milk Peach switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the qualities they offer significantly contrast with those derived from the polycarbonate tops. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This material contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile that balances the crisper tones produced by the polycarbonate. Consequently, the overall auditory experience when typing through these switches combines the sharper highs from the top with the more rounded lows from the bottom, providing a distinctive and rich sound signature that is harmonious yet complex.
In examining the combined effects of the different housing materials, the performance of the Firefly and Milk Peach switches reflects a well-thought-out design. The melding of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom ensures that, despite their individual qualities, the resulting sound profile remains cohesive. When typing, the sharper response from the top housing mixes seamlessly with the deeper tones of the nylon bottom, creating a typing experience that is both satisfying and engaging. This shared approach allows users of both switches to achieve similar results, highlighting the benefits of thoughtful material choices in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that may influence user preference. The Firefly features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who seek ease of typing during extended use, be it for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Peach switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. While both switches have an undefined bottom out force, the known actuation forces indicate that the Firefly is the lighter option, whereas the Milk Peach offers a heavier sensation. This distinction is crucial for users determining their ideal typing experience based on their comfort and engagement level during extended use.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Firefly offers a more substantial feel with a greater depth, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more tactile and pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the Milk Peach switch provides a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker actuation times. Therefore, if you're seeking a deeper, hearty key press, the Firefly would be the better choice, while those prioritizing quick response may prefer the Milk Peach switch for its shorter 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 Peach 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 presents a unique auditory experience with its chirpy character. The light hint of clickiness combined with a subtle squeak gives it a distinct acoustic signature that sets it apart from more traditional switches, which often have a more pronounced click. This quieter sound profile can lead to a more pleasant typing environment, especially in shared spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, which suggests it may offer a more subdued and muted experience during keystrokes. Since sound is influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches could still potentially provide satisfactory sound levels if paired appropriately.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch shines with its easy-to-press design. It requires minimal force for activation, ensuring a comfortable typing experience that helps reduce finger fatigue over long periods. This gentle resistance enhances the overall tactile experience, making it ideal for users who type frequently. On the other hand, there’s no specific description available for the feel of the Milk Peach switch. Without detailed information on its tactile responsiveness, it remains unclear how it compares in terms of the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, making it a strong contender for anyone looking for a pleasant auditory and tactile experience. The Outemu Milk Peach switch, while lacking detailed characteristics in both sound and feel, could serve as a viable option for users who prefer a linear switch. Given that acoustics and tactile sensations can vary based on keyboard and keycap choices, users might achieve similar results in sound or feel with appropriate setups for either switch, though the Firefly's unique qualities likely provide a more defined experience overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking from your keyboard. If you appreciate a typing experience that combines a light actuation force with a subtle clickiness, the Firefly is an excellent option. Its chirpy sound profile and easy-to-press feel ensure that you can type comfortably for extended periods, making it suitable for both casual use and productivity tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any auditory feedback, the Milk Peach linear switch might be more appropriate for you. Although not much information is provided on the Milk Peach, linear switches generally offer a softer touch with no tactile bump, which can be ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the tasks you plan to undertake on your keyboard.