Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, one can see some key differences. The Firefly is praised for its unique clicky switch design that manages to be quiet without sacrificing a satisfying tactile feel. It is easy to press and has a subtle chirpy sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch doesn't have a specific standout feature but is known for its overall reliability and durability. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Firefly may appeal more to those who value a quieter switch, while the Tom may be preferred for its simplicity and robustness. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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
The Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Tom both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. However, while both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tom's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on the Firefly feel different than on the Tom.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Tom's differences lie in their bottom housings. While both switches offer a sharp, high-pitched sound profile thanks to their polycarbonate top housings, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing gives it a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the Tom's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs less sound, resulting in a sound profile that may be crisper but not as deep and full as the Firefly. These differences in bottom housings impact the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch.
The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Firefly and Outemu Tom dictates how each switch feels and sounds when typing. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Firefly results in a more nuanced sound profile compared to the all-polycarbonate construction of the Tom. Ultimately, whether a switch utilizes different housing materials or not plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound output.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams, making the Firefly better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare them in terms of the pressure needed to fully press the key. In general, a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while a heavier force provides a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter. In terms of feel, the Firefly offers a deeper press compared to the Tom, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial keypress. However, the shorter travel distance of the Tom can provide quicker response times, which may be favored by gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 Tom 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 has a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. This switch offers a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, creating a distinctive acoustic signature that may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it may be difficult to compare directly in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The overall typing experience is enhanced by the responsive and low-impact feel of the Firefly switch. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not available at this time, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice among users looking for a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Without information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is difficult to provide a detailed comparison between the two switches. However, if the Tom switch offers similar characteristics to the Firefly, users can expect to achieve a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on their personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your preference for a light actuation force with just a hint of clickiness versus a switch with an unspecified bottom out force. If you value a quiet switch with a unique acoustic signature and easy-to-press keys that reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize other factors or if the Tom switch has certain qualities that appeal to you, it may be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing experience.
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