Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch, it is evident that both offer unique benefits to consider. The Firefly switch stands out for its quiet operation and light actuation, making it a great option for those looking for a tactile typing experience without the usual loud clicky sound. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch maintains a smooth linear response, perfect for those who prefer a consistent feel without any tactile bump. While the Firefly may appeal to those seeking an easy-to-press and chirpy switch, the Silent Yellow's silent operation may attract those looking for a quieter typing experience. 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
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite having the same housing materials for the top and bottom, the impact of each housing material differs in the overall typing experience of the switches. The bottom housing, in this case nylon, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing, made of polycarbonate, influences the sound when a key is released. This separation of qualities between the top and bottom housing allows for a subtle variation in sound and feel that can enhance the overall typing experience for the user.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Yellow results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more well-rounded typing experience. While the housing materials may be the same for both switches, the subtle differences in how the materials interact with key presses highlight the importance of housing material selection in mechanical switches for achieving desired sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Silent Yellow has a bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may opt for the Firefly, while users seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Yellow. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback and actuation forces, so choosing the ideal switch depends on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Overall, selecting the appropriate switch based on actuation and bottom out forces is crucial for a comfortable and efficient typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches. The equal travel distance of these switches contrasts with other switches on the market that may have varying travel distances. Overall, the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Silent Yellow switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Yellow 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 praised for its quiet and light actuation with a subtle clickiness, providing a unique typing experience without the traditional clicky sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch lacks any known sound characteristics, making it a silent option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch is known for being easy to press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Silent Yellow switch.
Overall, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a quiet and light clicky feel, the Firefly from Dareu would be a great option. On the other hand, if silence is of utmost importance and you prefer linear switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow could be a suitable choice. Remember, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you, so I recommend trying out different switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience with a light actuation force, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Firefly offers a unique clicky feel without the loud sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a linear switch design, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch would be more suitable for you. The Silent Yellow provides a more traditional linear typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, noise level, and typing feel.
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