Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Firefly is a new take on clicky switches, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and subtle clickiness. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch remains a mystery in terms of its distinguishing features. Those who prefer a quieter typing experience may be drawn to the Firefly, while fans of the classic clicky sound may opt for the Spring Breeze. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Spring Breeze both play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Firefly's top housing results in a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Firefly and the Spring Breeze utilize nylon as the material of choice. This shared material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a more muted typing experience. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switches may differ slightly due to other factors at play in each switch's design. Overall, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Spring Breeze differ in material, their overall impact on the switches' sound profiles is quite similar. The use of polycarbonate in the Firefly's top housing and nylon in the Spring Breeze's top housing creates distinct sound profiles, with the former offering a sharper sound and the latter providing a fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and more muted sound during typing. Ultimately, whether you prefer the crisper sound of the Firefly or the fuller sound of the Spring Breeze, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch reveals some interesting differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of the initial force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Spring Breeze is heavier at 55 grams compared to the Firefly's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Spring Breeze provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Firefly's bottom out force remains a mystery. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Firefly may be the preferred choice for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze might appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile and substantial typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. This uniformity in travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. In terms of comparing and contrasting, both switches offer the same tactile feedback and clicky sound, making them ideal choices for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. However, it is worth noting that the Firefly may have a slightly smoother keystroke due to its design, while the Spring Breeze may provide a more pronounced click sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a reliable travel distance and satisfying typing experience for users.
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 Spring Breeze 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 that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. While not as loud as other clicky switches, the Firefly still provides a satisfying sound experience with a hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The responsive and low-impact typing feel of the Firefly enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, so a direct comparison in this area is not possible.
Considering the available information, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, offering a pleasant typing experience for those who prefer a quieter switch with light actuation. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are less clear, it is worth noting that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a light actuation and hint of clickiness, the Firefly is the way to go. It offers an easy-to-press feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and a classic clicky sound, the Spring Breeze is a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
