Dareu Firefly vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, selecting the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Dareu Firefly and the Akko Rosewood. The Firefly switch is a tactile option that offers a unique twist on traditional clicky switches, characterized by its lightweight actuation and subtle clickiness, all while maintaining a quiet operation. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback without the distracting noise often associated with mechanical switches. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a linear design that delivers a deep, satisfying thock sound, complemented by a factory-applied lubricant that enhances its smoothness and overall feel. This switch caters perfectly to those who prioritize a seamless keystroke experience and prefer the luxurious feel of linear switches. Each switch has its own set of advantages—quiet yet tactile versus smooth and thocky—making the choice dependent on your typing 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

Dareu Firefly Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Akko Rosewood, the key distinction lies in the top housing. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sound when keystrokes are executed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as it allows the light to diffuse beautifully, creating an engaging visual effect. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon means it absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience that emphasizes a rounder tone.

Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Dareu Firefly and the Akko Rosewood employ nylon for their bottom housings. As a classic material in keyboard design, nylon contributes to a similar depth and fullness in sound production in both switches. The inherent softness of nylon helps to dampen the sound profile, which can create a plush typing experience across both switches. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a consistently warm auditory response from both models when keys are pressed down, despite the contrasting sound profiles produced by their respective top housings.

This combination of a polycarbonate top housing on the Firefly and a nylon housing on the Rosewood exemplifies how the different materials can influence the overall typing experience. The Firefly, with its sharp, bright tonal qualities from the polycarbonate top, contrasts sharply with the round, softer qualities provided by the nylon in the Rosewood. When it comes to the bottom-out experience, both switches yield a similar response due to their identical nylon bottom housings, ensuring that regardless of the top housing's contrasting properties, the foundational typing feel retains a familiar richness. Thus, both models strike a balance between distinct sound profiles and shared tactile experiences through their choice of housing materials.

Weight

The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both have an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users will experience a comparable typing feel during actual use. However, the bottom out force of the Rosewood switch is 50 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unavailable. This suggests that the Rosewood switch offers a heavier overall feel when pressed to the bottom, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, since the Firefly's bottom out force is not specified, it's unclear how it compares, but it's likely that it may feel lighter than the Rosewood when bottomed out. Overall, the Rosewood switch is the heavier option due to its bottom out force, making it potentially less ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Firefly may cater to those seeking a more comfortable experience over long durations.

Travel distance

Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that users will experience a comparable keypress depth when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent tactile feedback, making both options suitable for users who prefer a consistent feel in their typing experience. Since both switches share this travel specification, one can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly switch stands out with its unique chirpy character, which gives it a subtle squeak that differentiates it from typical clicky switches. This acoustic signature creates a quiet typing experience without the traditional click noise, making it suitable for environments where sound is a consideration. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by factory-applied lubrication, which contributes to its appealing auditory feedback. The combination of these qualities means that while the Firefly offers a discreet sound profile, the Rosewood provides a more resonant and rounded sound.

When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch excels with its easy-to-press design. The light actuation force requires minimal effort, making it highly responsive and comfortable for extended typing sessions. This gentle resistance allows for a relaxed typing experience, reducing potential finger fatigue. The feel of the Akko Rosewood switch remains unknown in this context, but it generally aligns with linear switches that focus on smooth movements without tactile feedback, offering a different yet equally satisfying experience.

In conclusion, both the Dareu Firefly and Akko Rosewood switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Firefly’s chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel cater to those who prefer quieter operation with minimal exertion, while the Rosewood’s thocky noise appeals to users who enjoy auditory satisfaction in their keystrokes. Choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience in their own unique ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch will largely depend on your individual preferences and typing style. If you favor a keyboard that provides a light, effortless typing experience without disruptive noise, the Firefly switch is an excellent option. Its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel make it ideal for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue while still offering a hint of tactile feedback. This switch is well-suited for those who work in shared environments or prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a satisfying thock sound while typing, the Rosewood switch is the way to go. Its heavier bottom-out force adds a level of resistance that some users find more gratifying, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile sensation while still benefiting from smooth linear performance. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether that’s comfort and quiet operation or sound and tactile feedback—before making your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Firefly Tactile

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more