Dareu Firefly vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in feel and sound, with the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Ragdoll representing two distinct approaches to typing. The Firefly, a tactile switch, stands out with its easy-to-press actuation and subdued clickiness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without the louder noises traditionally associated with clicky switches. Its quiet operation is ideal for office environments or shared spaces where minimizing sound is a priority. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll, a linear switch, offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with its Y3 stem and clacky noise profile, catering to gamers and typists who prefer a seamless and fluid typing experience without tactile bumps. Each switch brings unique advantages: if you favor feedback while maintaining a quieter environment, the Firefly may be your best bet, whereas the Ragdoll offers the allure of smooth, fast typing perfect for gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Ragdoll, the distinction in their top housings significantly influences the overall auditory experience. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate's increased stiffness, which allows for a more resonant and clear sound output. Furthermore, this material's translucency makes it ideal for enhancing RGB lighting effects, giving users a vibrant visual experience alongside their typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll incorporates a nylon top housing, traditionally regarded for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder auditory sensation. Consequently, while the Firefly offers a brighter sound, the Ragdoll promotes a more muted and substantial acoustic response.
The bottom housings of both switches share an identical material—nylon. This uniformity implies that both the Firefly and Ragdoll will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are bottomed out. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in how the switch feels at the moment of actuation, users can expect a consistent experience in this regard across both models. The nylon materials in both switches dampen sound waves, resulting in a muted and sound-absorbing quality that promotes a more pleasant typing experience. Thus, while the top housings create divergent sound profiles, the commonality of the nylon bottom housing contributes to a shared tactile experience.
In summary, the comparison of the Dareu Firefly and Bsun Ragdoll highlights how their differing top housing materials create unique auditory identities. The polycarbonate of the Firefly is tailored for sharp, clear sounds and works exceptionally well with RGB lighting, establishing it as an excellent choice for users who prioritize sound clarity and visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Ragdoll's nylon housing emphasizes warmth and fullness, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. However, with their bottom housings both composed of nylon, users will experience similar acoustic and tactile feedback when keys are pressed fully, bridging the gap between the two models even as they venture down different auditory paths.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it is clear that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force at 40 grams, while the Ragdoll requires a heavier 45 grams to register a keystroke. This weight difference suggests that the Firefly may be more suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it could reduce finger fatigue. However, the Ragdoll's actuation force might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger feedback. In terms of bottom out force, the Ragdoll switch features a measurable bottom out force of 52 grams, whereas the Firefly's bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of information for the Firefly means that any conclusions about its bottoming out experience cannot be thoroughly compared. Thus, with the information available, the Firefly is the lighter option, while the Ragdoll offers a heavier and potentially richer tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch measures at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Firefly offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ragdoll. For those who enjoy a heartier feel when typing or gaming, the Firefly's additional 0.2 mm can provide a more satisfying depth. On the other hand, the Ragdoll’s shorter travel distance caters to gamers or typists who prefer quicker response times, as shorter distances can lead to faster actuation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference—if you favor responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Ragdoll would be the better option, but if you appreciate the comfort of deeper presses, the Firefly would suit you better.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 stands out with its unique chirpy character, offering a soft and subtle click that differs from traditional clicky switches. Its notable lack of resonance allows for quieter operation without sacrificing the tactile feedback that many users seek. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch produces a clacky sound, characterized by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. While specific details on the Ragdoll's sound profile are lacking, it's generally understood that linear switches tend to prioritize muted sound and a more subdued auditory experience compared to clicky switches. Therefore, those looking for a quieter typing environment may find the Firefly more appealing.
In terms of feel, the Firefly provides an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force for actuation. This gentle resistance makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, helping to reduce finger fatigue while offering a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Ragdoll switch are absent. Typically, linear switches such as the Ragdoll are known for their smooth, unbroken travel without any tactile bump, which can cater to users who prefer a consistent keystroke from top to bottom. This represents a contrast to the Firefly's tactile nature, appealing to different typing preferences.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch cater to different auditory and tactile experiences. The Firefly offers a chirpy, quiet sound with an easy-to-press feel, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a tactile experience with a more understated sound profile. Conversely, while the Ragdoll's sound is clacky and its feel is typically smooth, specific details on its tactile feedback remain unknown. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will largely depend on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and sound characteristics of the Firefly or the smooth, linear experience of the Ragdoll.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a switch that offers a light actuation and an easy-to-press feel, the Firefly is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. Its unique chirpy sound adds character without the disruptive clickiness of traditional switches, making it a suitable option for quiet environments or office settings. On the other hand, if you favor a more traditional linear experience with a medium-light resistance that provides a satisfying typing feedback, the Ragdoll is the way to go. Its smooth travel and clacky sound make it ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing where precision and speed are crucial. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, so consider where and how you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
