Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we see two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Firefly 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 White switch from Outemu is known for its silent operation without any specific standout feature. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent White, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a clear and resonant sound, particularly beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Firefly's nylon bottom housing promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, the Silent White also utilizes a nylon bottom housing to achieve similar qualities. This means that both switches offer a balance between sharpness and depth in their sound profiles through their housing materials.
Despite both switches sharing similarities in their choice of housing materials, the qualities of these materials are split between the top and bottom housings of each switch. When typing on the switches, the bottom housing's effects are more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities showcases the importance of considering both top and bottom housings in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch. By utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom, manufacturers can create switches that offer a dynamic and well-rounded sound profile.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent White demonstrate the impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings to achieve a crisp and clear sound, they also incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This combination of materials highlights the importance of balance in switch design, with each housing material contributing unique qualities to create a well-rounded typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile like that of the Firefly or a deeper sound like that of the Silent White, both switches offer distinct characteristics through their choice of housing materials.
Weight
The Firefly tactile switch from Dareu has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches do not have a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare them in terms of how much force is needed to fully press the key. However, based on the actuation force alone, the Firefly would likely feel lighter and more responsive, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where quick keystrokes are important. On the other hand, the Silent White switch would provide a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm while the Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Firefly's 4.0mm travel distance is more in line with the traditional distance, offering a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Silent White's 3.3mm travel distance is shallower, providing a quicker response time which is favored by gamers. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preference. If you prioritize a deeper key press, the Firefly would be the ideal choice, while if you value faster response times, the Silent White would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 White 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 with a hint of clickiness, setting it apart from traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch remains silent, providing a quiet typing experience without any audible feedback. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to a variety of preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a subtle clickiness or complete silence in your mechanical keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses to minimize finger fatigue and provide a comfortable typing experience. The light actuation force of the Firefly enhances the typing experience by being responsive and low-impact. In comparison, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is currently unavailable. If it shares similarities with the easy-to-press and responsive nature of the Firefly switch, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Firefly provides a unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Silent White delivers a silent typing experience, with its feel yet to be fully detailed. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a unique sound profile or a completely silent typing experience, alongside the feel you prefer during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear switch without any distinct sound characteristics, the Silent White switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal typing style and the typing experience you are looking for.
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