Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Peach. The Firefly switch from Dareu offers a tactile typing experience with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is a linear switch that is known for its feather-light feel and silence, appealing to those who prefer a smooth and muted typing experience. While the Firefly switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the Peach switch is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique advantages, but delving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you determine which one is the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Peach switches offer different sound profiles and aesthetics due to their composition. The Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a resonant sound that is ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Peach features a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Both the Firefly and Peach switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, providing a tactile typing experience that complements the overall sound profile of the switches. While the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the typing experience, the top housing of each switch contributes more to the sound when releasing a key. Whether it is the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly or Peach, users can expect a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Peach switches highlight their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the Firefly results in a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Peach's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with a focus on absorbing noise for a softer typing experience. Despite their distinct qualities, both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users seeking different preferences in switch housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Firefly lacks information on its bottom out force, while the Peach has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. Actuation force is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while bottom out force refers to the pressure required to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Peach switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if one desires a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Firefly may be more suitable. Ultimately, the difference in bottom out forces highlights the importance of considering weight preferences when selecting switches for a keyboard.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Firefly has a longer travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Peach has a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Firefly providing a more substantial feel and the Peach offering a quicker keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing style.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound profile with a hint of clickiness, providing a unique acoustic experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch is described as having a neutral and muted sound, making it a quieter option suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Firefly being more distinct and the Peach being more subtle and muted.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In comparison, the Outemu Peach linear switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience, with a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Peach switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing feel that enhances overall typing performance.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound and an easy-to-press actuation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lighter touch and a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Peach switch offers a muted sound and a mild, polished typing experience, making it a great choice for users seeking a quieter and smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, as both switches offer different but enjoyable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light actuation force and a feathery light typing experience, the Outemu Peach linear switch would be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a very light actuation with just a hint of clickiness and a quiet typing experience, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a silent linear switch with lightweight actuation or a tactile switch with a unique clicky feel. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences.
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