Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Firefly switch stands out for its unique take on clicky switches, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and subtle clickiness. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch is known for its silent operation and smooth linear feel. While the Firefly switch is ideal for those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch is perfect for those who prioritize a quiet and smooth keystroke. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal options for switches that aim to provide a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Despite the similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the unique design and construction of each switch may result in slight variations in sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Silent Ocean utilize nylon to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which helps in absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This choice of material for the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience by adding a deeper and more satisfying sound when pressing down on the keys. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may slightly alter the overall sound and feel experienced by the user.
With the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Silent Ocean being made of different materials, the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel experienced when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding the role that each housing material plays in the overall typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences based on sound profile, feel, and compatibility with additional features like RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that they differ in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams, while the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, and the Silent Ocean's is medium-heavy at 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Ocean with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that you will experience a similar keypress feel with both switches. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches allows for a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, whether it be the Firefly or the Silent Ocean, you can expect a consistent travel distance and tactile feedback during use.
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 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
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch is favored for its quiet operation and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, providing a unique typing experience without the loud clicky sound typically associated with tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks a distinct description for sound, leaving it a bit unknown in that aspect. When it comes to the feel, the Firefly is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue during extended use. However, the Silent Ocean's feel is not described, so it is hard to compare in this regard. Overall, if you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and gentle resistance, the Firefly would be a great choice. If the sound and feel are not critical factors, both switches may provide similar results in terms of performance.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, your choice will ultimately come down to your preference in terms of sound and feel. If you're looking for a quiet and light actuation switch with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a linear switch without any distinct sound signature, then the Silent Ocean would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences and habits when making your decision, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the Firefly and the Silent Ocean will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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