Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Purple Star. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that stands out for its quiet nature, as it strays away from the traditional clicky sound commonly associated with tactile switches. Featuring an 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy' feel, the Firefly switch offers a light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star is a linear switch known for its smooth typing experience due to its all-POM construction. With a 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press' profile, the Purple Star switch boasts a light 45g bottom-out which appeals to light typists for its ease and comfort. While both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal, diving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Purple Star, it is clear that they have distinct differences that contribute to their sound profiles. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, both switches use POM for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and pleasing sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials gives each switch a unique sonic character that may appeal to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent appearance that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, while the Purple Star's POM top housing may not offer the same visual appeal. However, both switches prioritize sound quality over looks, with the Firefly's nylon bottom housing providing a fuller and rounder sound compared to the Purple Star's POM bottom housing. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced combination of qualities that enhance the typing experience for each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Purple Star ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Firefly excels in creating a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Purple Star offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Both switches share a commonality in their POM bottom housing, delivering a pleasing and unique typing experience. Whether you prioritize sound quality, visual appeal, or a combination of both, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Purple Star's 43 grams. The Firefly does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Purple Star has a light bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Purple Star requires a slightly heavier force to trigger a keystroke but provides a more substantial typing experience when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Firefly would be the better option. However, individuals who desire a more pronounced tactile feel when typing may lean towards the Purple Star for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Firefly offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Purple Star offers a shorter travel distance, which is ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly being a bit longer and the Purple Star being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 tactile switch offers a unique chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, setting it apart from traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched and mellow tone, creating a more bass-heavy sound experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Firefly being more unique and the Purple Star being more soothing in nature.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This switch aims to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions by providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Purple Star is also easy-to-press, catering to users who prefer minimal resistance during key presses.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly excels in providing a chirpy sound with easy-to-press typing experience, whereas the Purple Star delivers a low-pitched sound and a mild yet easy-to-press typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches can cater to different user preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a more unique clicky feel with a quieter sound, the Firefly switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light bottom-out force and a more neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a light and unique feel or a smooth and comfortable typing experience.
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