Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Ocean. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch known for its unique take on clicky switches, providing a light actuation with a subtle clickiness that is not as loud as traditional clicky switches. It is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is also a tactile switch but is known for its quiet operation, lacking a distinct feature that sets it apart. While the Firefly offers a light and slightly clicky typing experience, the Ocean provides a quieter typing experience. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Ocean both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Firefly and the Ocean opt for nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a sound that is duller and rounder, providing a different tactile experience compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released, the qualities of the bottom housing affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Ocean plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve a sharp and clear sound, they differ in the use of nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This combination of materials results in switches that offer a variety of tactile experiences depending on whether keys are being pressed or released.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is clear that the Firefly is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Ocean is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine how they compare in that aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Firefly may make it more appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, whereas the heavier actuation force of the Ocean may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Ocean tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, it is evident that they both provide a similar tactile experience for users. Both switches offer a consistent feel and actuation point, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. With a travel distance of 4 mm, both the Firefly and Ocean switches have a moderate key travel that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Firefly or Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you can expect a similar level of key travel that is ideal for typing and gaming purposes.
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 Ocean 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 is described as having a chirpy sound profile, adding a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a comfortable typing experience. This light actuation force can reduce finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, making it a popular choice among typists looking for a responsive and low-impact feel. Unfortunately, the feeling of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not specified, so it's challenging to contrast it with the Firefly switch in this regard.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, along with its chirpy sound profile and easy-to-press feel. While information on the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is limited in this comparison, if it shares similar characteristics with the Firefly switch, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with different characteristics that suit your typing style, such as a specific bottom out force or sound profile, the Ocean may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you as you type.
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