Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Red, a linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Firefly switch is praised for its unique take on clicky switches, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch does not have a distinct feature that sets it apart but offers a smooth and consistent linear typing feel. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a light actuation, the Firefly switch may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a linear typing feel without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Red switch could be more suitable. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Red switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile created by polycarbonate's stiffness, making them ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of these switches while contributing to their distinct sound characteristics.
Where the Firefly and the Red switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Firefly utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder overall sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used in the top housing. In contrast, the Red switch also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound qualities to the Firefly and showcasing the classic attributes associated with this material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of these switches respectively leads to a split in the sound characteristics experienced during key presses. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Red switches offer a unique typing experience, with their housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles and overall tactile feedback of each switch.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Firefly being the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. The bottom out force for the Firefly is unavailable, while the Red has a bottom out force of 62 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Firefly may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, such as for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Red may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Firefly or the Red switch, you can expect to receive the same consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a standard travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a moderate key press.
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 Red 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 stands out for its chirpy nature, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a specific sound description available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This gentle resistance during key presses can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Red linear switch.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a quiet and gentle typing experience with a hint of clickiness, making it a good option for those looking for a unique and low-impact switch. The Outemu Red linear switch, while lacking specific information on sound and feel, is known for its smooth linear action that is preferred by many users for its consistency. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a very light actuation force without the classic clicky sound, the Firefly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a linear feel, the Red switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and personal preferences for both feel and sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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