Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Green. The Firefly switch from Dareu is a tactile switch that offers a unique take on clicky switches. It provides a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. This switch is a good option for those who prefer a consistent and uninterrupted typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, whether it be the easy-to-press nature of the Firefly or the silent operation of the Silent Green. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Green, we see that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. However, the Firefly differs from the Silent Green in that it uses nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature compared to polycarbonate. This contrast in bottom housing materials may affect the overall sound and feel of these switches, providing different typing experiences for users.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of nylon for the Firefly's bottom housing sets it apart from the Silent Green. The Silent Green's use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing results in a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout the key press. In contrast, the Firefly's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a unique typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the sound when the key is pressed down. This divergence in housing materials highlights how different combinations can affect the overall user experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Green will come down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile. While both switches offer a sharp and clear sound thanks to their polycarbonate top housing, the Firefly's use of nylon for the bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Green. Whether you prefer a more resonant keypress or a crisper sound upon release, understanding how housing materials can influence the overall typing experience will help you make an informed decision on which switch best suits your needs and preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, while the Silent Green has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Firefly may be the preferred option. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Green. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to a diverse range of preferences in keyboard typing.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, the feeling and feedback provided by both switches will be similar, providing a consistent typing experience. The similarity in travel distance between the Firefly and the Silent Green switches makes them both suitable options for those looking for a standard key press feel. Ultimately, whether choosing the Firefly or the Silent Green switch, users can expect a consistent travel distance and typing experience.
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 Silent Green 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, adding a subtle squeak to each key press, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have a specific sound description provided, suggesting that it may be quieter or lack a distinct sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing a light actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate. This makes typing on the Firefly switches comfortable and effortless, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a feel description available, but based on the fact that it is a linear switch, it is likely to offer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a light and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch may offer a quieter typing experience with a smooth keystroke, making it suitable for those who prioritize a silent keyboard. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light actuation force with a hint of clickiness and a quieter typing experience, the Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear switch without any noise, the Silent Green switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel while typing.
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