Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both offer unique qualities to consider. The Firefly switch by Dareu provides users with a quiet and light actuation, bringing a fresh take on clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch delivers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. While the Firefly switch is easy-to-press and chirpy, the Silent Yellow Jade switch stands out with its translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. Ultimately, each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Yellow Jade, one significant difference is in their top housings. The Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness. This is especially beneficial for RGB lighting as polycarbonate's translucency enhances the visual appeal. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Another point of comparison between the Firefly and the Silent Yellow Jade is their bottom housing material. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's absorbent nature. However, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. As a result, users may notice a more pronounced impact from the nylon bottom housing in both the Firefly and Silent Yellow Jade switches.
Overall, while the Firefly and Silent Yellow Jade switches differ in their top housing materials – polycarbonate for the Firefly and nylon for the Silent Yellow Jade – they both share the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material leads to a similar deep and full sound profile in both switches, emphasizing the importance of housing material in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate of the Firefly or the softer nylon of the Silent Yellow Jade, each housing material brings its unique characteristics to enhance the user's typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade is 65 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel might choose the Silent Yellow Jade for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Firefly catering to a lighter touch and the Silent Yellow Jade providing a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 3.3 mm. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional keypress feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance offers a more shallow and quicker keypress response. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade for its faster response time, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Dareu Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Jade 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 provides a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, giving a subtle hint of clickiness without the loud click typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, providing a tactile typing experience without the loud noise. It's worth considering the type of sound profile you prefer when choosing between these two switches.
Moving on to feel, the Firefly switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate the switch. This light actuation force can make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is not specified in the given information. It is essential to consider the tactile feedback and actuation force that best suits your typing style and preferences when choosing between these switches.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, catering to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet, thocky sound without specifying the feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycaps may provide the best insight into which switch suits your needs the most.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a very quiet switch with a light actuation force and just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Silent Yellow Jade may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most - whether it's a lighter touch with a subtle click or a firmer press with a pronounced tactile bump.
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