Dareu Firefly vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) are both tactile switches, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Firefly switch is praised for its quiet operation and light actuation, providing a subtle clicky feel without the traditional loud sound associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is renowned for its maximum tactility, offering a sharp and satisfying tactile experience with a clean clack. While the Firefly is described as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the POM T1 (Sunflower) is categorized as 'Resonant', 'Neutral', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', and 'Invigorating'. Depending on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or crave a pronounced tactile feedback, you may lean towards either the Firefly or the POM T1 (Sunflower). 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
67g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the POM top housing of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) which produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, both switches have a POM bottom housing, creating a similar deep and muted sound profile. The difference in the top housing material results in a noticeable variance in sound when pressing down on the keys, with the Firefly delivering a clearer and resonant sound while the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a more muffled tone.
While the Firefly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM bottom housing also results in a similarly deep and muted sound. The use of nylon in the Firefly adds a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition, whereas the POM bottom housing of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a unique sound profile that is on the deeper and more muted side. Both bottom housings play a significant role in impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, influencing the overall typing experience for the user.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Dareu Firefly excels in producing a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a unique and pleasing sound profile with its POM top and bottom housings. The contrast in sound between the two switches highlights the importance of housing materials in creating a personalized typing experience based on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, the main difference lies in the weight of the keystrokes. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) does not have a specified actuation force. However, the POM T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Firefly's unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Firefly may be the preferred choice, while the POM T1 would be more suitable for those who prefer a heavier keystroke feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on the weight of the force required, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Having the same travel distance can result in similar typing experiences and tactile feedback for users, regardless of which switch is chosen. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Firefly or the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), you can expect a consistent travel distance when using these tactile switches.
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 is characterized as chirpy, offering a unique acoustic signature with a subtle squeak. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is described as resonant, providing a clean and sharp high-pitched sound profile that immerses the user in an auditory experience. Additionally, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is also labeled as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various typing settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall typing environment including keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, with gentle resistance during key presses and a light actuation force that enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue. Conversely, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides a sharp tactility with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. Moreover, this switch is also described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, as well as being snappy and invigorating, creating a responsive and immersive typing sensation. The decision between these switches will ultimately depend on the desired level of feedback and typing experience that the user seeks.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience with a hint of clickiness, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides a sharp and punchy feedback with a clean clack sound. Both switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Depending on whether you prefer a chirpy and easy-to-press switch or a sharp and invigorating one, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either the Firefly or POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a personal keyboard setup would be the best way to determine which one suits your typing needs best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a quiet and light actuation with a subtle clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer maximum tactility with a sharp and clean clack, the POM T1 (Sunflower) could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a chirpy sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Firefly may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a resonant or neutral sound profile, along with a sharp, accented, snappy, or invigorating feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) might be more appealing. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your personal typing preferences and needs when selecting the ideal tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
