Dareu Firefly vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Kailh Plum offer two distinct options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Firefly switch from Dareu is appreciated for its quiet and light actuation, with a subtle clickiness that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Plum switch is known for its heftiness and unique lack of a pronounced tactile bump, providing a different tactile experience compared to many other switches on the market. While the Firefly is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the Plum is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Stepped'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Kailh Plum feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate results in a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting as its translucency allows for a vibrant display. With this similarity in housing material, both switches are likely to produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics, giving users a consistent experience in terms of sound and appearance.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Dareu Firefly utilizes nylon, while the Kailh Plum also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing design. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to variations in the typing experience between the two switches, with the bottom-out sound and feel being influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the differing bottom housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and Kailh Plum will play a significant role in the sound and feel of the switches. While the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Users may notice a distinction in typing feel between the two switches due to the contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate, providing a unique typing experience depending on the switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is evident that they have different weight requirements. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Plum, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Plum has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down, while the Firefly’s bottom out force is unknown. Some users may prefer the Firefly for its lighter actuation force, ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the Plum for its heavier bottom out force, offering a more satisfying tactile feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is clear that the Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Plum's 3.6 mm. The Firefly offers a more traditional depth, while the Plum provides a slightly shallower travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Plum for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a unique chirpy sound signature that sets it apart from other clicky switches, giving it a distinct auditory profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches in terms of sound will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Kailh Plum switch offers a more mild tactile experience with a unique stepped feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls comfortably in the middle ground of switch characteristics. Whether you prefer a light and responsive feel or a more subtle tactile feedback, both switches offer distinct advantages in terms of typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and Kailh Plum switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Firefly presents a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Plum provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, stepped tactile experience. Depending on whether you prioritize a distinct auditory signature or a comfortable typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Additionally, both switches offer their own strengths and characteristics, ensuring that users will enjoy a high-quality typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly would be a great choice for you. It offers an easy-to-press feel that enhances the typing experience. However, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique tactile experience that is not overly pronounced, the Plum would be more suitable for you. It offers a mild and stepped feel that is approachable to most typists. Ultimately, the decision between the Firefly and Plum switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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