Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and KTT Phalaenopsis are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Firefly switch from Dareu provides a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it easy to press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch from KTT features a light actuation force of 37g and a satisfying tactile bump with a 50g force, resulting in a bassy, stepped, and thocky typing feel. While the Firefly switch is quiet and light, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a more tactile and audible feedback, suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Phalaenopsis both use polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience for users.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the Firefly and the Phalaenopsis differ in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Firefly creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the switch. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how the choice of material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
In terms of overall typing experience, the bottom housing of a switch often has more of an impact on the sound and feel during a keypress, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in switches like the Firefly and Phalaenopsis can lead to a split in sound qualities experienced during typing. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
Comparing the Dareu Firefly and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Firefly has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's 37 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the Firefly lacks information on its bottom out force, while the Phalaenopsis has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter switch overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Phalaenopsis for its lower actuation force and bottom out force, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Firefly may appeal to users who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users will experience a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch. The travel distance plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile feedback to the user. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience due to their identical travel distances. Whether using the Dareu Firefly or the KTT Phalaenopsis, users can expect a similar level of keypress actuation, making them suitable choices for individuals who prefer a tactile typing experience with a moderate 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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 switch is characterized as "chirpy," offering a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as "bassy" and "thocky," providing a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the Firefly leans towards a lighter and more subtle clickiness compared to the deeper and richer sound of the Phalaenopsis.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is noted for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as "stepped," providing a two-stage tactile feel with a mild bump compared to hypersensitive switches. This unique tactile sensation allows for a more controlled and precise typing experience, catering to those who prefer a more nuanced feedback during key presses.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly provides a quieter and more subtle clickiness with an easy-to-press actuation, the Phalaenopsis offers a deeper and more pronounced tactile bump with a stepped tactile feel. Both switches cater to different preferences for sound and feel, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preference for sound feedback. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique qualities, ensuring a delightful typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force and a subtle clickiness, the Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump with a slightly higher actuation force and a more effortless typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a quieter switch with a lighter feel (Firefly) or a more tactile switch with a bit more resistance (Phalaenopsis). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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