Dareu Firefly vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura mechanical keyboard switches, we are presented with two unique tactile options. The Firefly stands out for its quiet nature, offering an easy-to-press feel with a hint of clickiness, making it perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switches boast a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overpowering. The mild and neutral sound signature of the Purple Sakura switches makes them a great choice for those who value both tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
One key similarity between the Dareu Firefly and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both keyboards boast a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, making them both visually appealing options for gamers and enthusiasts alike. This common material choice ensures that the sound produced by both keyboards is clear and resonant, enhancing the overall typing experience.
However, where the Firefly and Purple Sakura differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Purple Sakura also features a nylon bottom housing, mirroring the Firefly's characteristics in terms of sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both keyboards are likely to offer a similar typing experience when it comes to the impact on bottom-out sound and feel, creating a consistent user experience across both devices.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Firefly and Sarokeys Purple Sakura plays a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these keyboards. While both keyboards share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, they also feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. This combination of materials ensures that users can enjoy a balanced typing experience that caters to both the sound produced when keys are pressed down and when they are released. Whether you prefer the Firefly's stiffer polycarbonate top housing or the Purple Sakura's softer nylon bottom housing, both keyboards offer a unique and tailored typing experience for enthusiasts seeking a high-quality mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that the Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. On the other hand, the Firefly does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Purple Sakura has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Firefly may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more robust typing feel, the Purple Sakura would be the preferred option. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces may cater to different preferences and needs of keyboard users.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch. The Firefly offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a shorter travel distance, which can result in quicker response times and is often favored by gamers looking for speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 offers a unique chirpy characteristic, adding a subtle squeak to the typing experience. This makes them stand out from the typical clicky switches with a more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch provides a neutral sound, which is not too loud or too quiet, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Ultimately, the choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring little force to activate. This design can help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions and provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch has a buttery feel that ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke, making typing effortless and uniform. Additionally, the switch's snappy response adds a lively touch to the typing sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly switch stands out with its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Purple Sakura switch provides a neutral sound and a buttery, mild, and snappy feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing habits, users can choose between these switches to achieve a tailored typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation force with a hint of clickiness and a quiet typing experience, the Firefly may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a medium actuation force with a snappy response, buttery downstroke, and a more neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura could be the ideal choice. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound while typing to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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