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Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Milk Tea

An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, we see two tactile options with distinct characteristics. The Dareu Firefly stands out for its unique clicky switch design, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch without any specific standout features. Those looking for an easy-to-press and chirpy switch may prefer the Firefly, while the Milk Tea remains a more traditional option. 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

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

Ly

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Dareu Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea features a Ly top housing, a newer material that offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Both materials allow for RGB lighting due to their translucency, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Firefly and Milk Tea utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This common material choice between the two switches results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.

When comparing the two switches, the main difference lies in the top housing material - polycarbonate in the Firefly and Ly in the Milk Tea. While both offer distinct sound profiles, the Firefly's polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the Milk Tea's Ly housing provides brighter and resonant clacks. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a similar deep and full sound profile, showcasing the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience.

Weight

The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's 45 grams. This difference in actuation force means that the Firefly might provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Milk Tea. As for the bottom out force, both switches have an unknown measurement, so it is unclear which one requires more force to fully press down. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel might lean towards the Firefly, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit of resistance and a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Milk Tea. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches. The 4 mm travel distance ensures that users will feel a satisfying tactile feedback when typing, without the keys feeling too shallow or too deep. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a moderate amount of key travel.

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 Tea 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 chirpy sound that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. Its quiet operation with a hint of clickiness provides a satisfying typing experience without the loud clacks typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The responsive and low-impact typing feel of the Firefly switch enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is unavailable, making it challenging to contrast the two switches in this aspect.

Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown, if you are looking for a quiet and light tactile switch, the Dareu Firefly could be a suitable option. It's essential to experiment with different switches to find the one that best suits your preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you are looking for a quiet switch with a light actuation and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a different sound profile and are looking for a gentle resistance during key presses, the Milk Tea tactile switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing experience requirements.

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