Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Purple both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that stands out for its quiet operation and light actuation with a subtle clicky feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is also a tactile switch, but unlike the Firefly, it does not have a distinct characteristic it is known for. However, it is worth considering for its tactile feedback and smooth keypress. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, providing options for users with varying preferences. 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
2.00 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
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 the Outemu Purple both share polycarbonate as their top housing material, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a more resonant sound, especially beneficial for users planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder sound due to nylon's softer nature. In contrast, the Purple also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, sharing this aspect with the Firefly for a similar typing experience.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Firefly and the Purple offer distinct typing experiences due to the properties of their respective materials. With the Firefly's nylon bottom housing being softer and absorbing more sound, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Purple's nylon bottom housing brings similar qualities, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile for users to enjoy. While the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing material are more noticeable during keystrokes, allowing users to feel the difference in sound and feel between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Purple may come down to personal preference in typing experience. Both switches offer a mix of sharper, higher-pitched sounds from their polycarbonate top housing, along with deeper and fuller tones from their nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound profile with the Firefly or a rounder and deeper typing experience with the Purple, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. Regardless of the differences in bottom housing materials, users can expect a similar level of quality and durability from both switches, making either option a solid choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. When it comes to weight, the Firefly may be preferred by those who like a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or gaming periods, while the Purple may be favored by those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of actuation force, the Firefly will require a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Purple. On the other hand, the Purple will provide a more resistance with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and key feel.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Purple tactile switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means that users can expect a similar tactile feedback experience from both switches, as they both have the same amount of travel. However, it is worth noting that the travel distance of both switches is relatively short compared to other switches on the market, which may impact typing feel and feedback. In conclusion, while both the Firefly and Purple switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent tactile experience from either switch.
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 Purple 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
The Firefly tactile switch from Dareu provides a unique typing experience with its quiet and light actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle clickiness and a gentle typing experience. The switch is described as "chirpy," adding a distinctive acoustic signature to your typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a known description for sound, but it is important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring less force to activate. This results in a responsive and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Outemu Purple switch does not have a known description for feel, but based on the information provided, it can be inferred that it may not offer the same light and easy actuation as the Firefly switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly switch provides a quiet and gentle typing experience with a hint of clickiness, while offering easy actuation and minimal resistance for a comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Purple switch does not have known characteristics for sound and feel, so it may not provide the same unique qualities as the Firefly switch. Overall, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it comes down to your preference for a light and quiet typing experience versus a switch with unknown specifications. If you value a quiet and easy-to-press switch with a subtle clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with unknown qualities, the Purple could be an option worth considering. Ultimately, it is important to consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure you have the best typing experience possible.
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